Lang
1/17/24
University of Iowa All-American Jerry Hilgenberg has died at the age of 92. Hilgenberg was the last surviving assistant coach from Iowa’s historic 1958 Big Ten, Rose Bowl and national championship team. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Hilgenberg started at center for three seasons for the Hawkeyes (1951-53). He was a first-team All-American and All-Big Ten honoree his senior season. Hilgenberg, and guard Cal Jones, were Hall of Fame Coach Forest Evashevski’s first All-Americans.
Hilgenberg led the Hawkeyes to a final national ranking of No. 9 in 1953, the program’s highest final ranking since 1939. He also excelled in the classroom earning Academic All-District and All-Big Ten accolades as a senior. Hilgenberg was invited to play in two postseason all-star games after his senior campaign, the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl.
A native of Wilton, Hilgenberg also lettered in baseball in 1952 and 1953, serving as a co-captain his senior season.