John Raffensperger (2007) - Hall of Fame

John Raffensperger

Induction:
2007
Class:
1962

Many young athletes can only dream of becoming a two-sport standout during their collegiate career, but for Iowa City High alumnus John Raffensperger, it became a reality.

The man who is known to many as Raff was a three-year starter on the gridiron while attending the Iowa State Teachers College. He was a member of the school’s first team to compete in a bowl game, when his undefeated squad played in the 1960 Mineral Bowl. During this time he was named all-North Central Conference twice and earned All-America Honorable Mention honors during his senior year.

When Raff wasn’t knocking down opponents on the football field, he was busy winning championships and leading the team in scoring on the track.

As a sophomore, Raff was a member of the North Central Conference mile relay championship team and earned an NCAA regional championship in the 220-yard hurdles. He also placed third in the 440-yard dash and long jump.

During his junior year, he placed in five events at the NCC meet.

While serving as co-captain, Raff helped capture the Panthers capture the 1962 North Central Conference team title. He also was crowned a conference champion in the 220-yard hurdles and the 440-yard dash during his senior campaign.

Raff was a 1962 recipient of the Purple and Gold Award for Conspicuous Achievement in Athletics upon completing his undergraduate studies in education. He later received a master of arts degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo.

While Raff’s days of participating in sports were behind him, only remarkable things laid ahead in what became a 41-year coaching career.

He spent his first year as track coach at Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman, Iowa, before spending the next four at Davenport’s Central High. In 1976, he found himself back at Iowa City High, where he would become a coaching legend and hall-of-famer.

Before retiring from coaching in 2003, Raff led the Little Hawks to 17 Mississippi Valley Conference titles, 11 MVC Super Meet titles, 119 major meet team championships and 10 state titles. He coached 56 Iowa state champions, 36 Drake Relay champions, one national meet champion and six national meet place-winners.

Raff was named Mississippi Valley Conference Coach of the Year 15 times and Iowa Track Coach of the Year eight times while being named as finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year award in 1999. He was also the National Federation of State High School Association Track Coach of the Year in 2000.

Raff was elected to the Iowa Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997, before he became the first track coach in Iowa history to win 10 state meets. Iowa City High’s track has since been named John Raffensperger Track in honor of its beloved teacher and coach.