Z.G. Clevenger Award
The Z.G. Clevenger Award is presented to living I-Men who, as alumni, have made outstanding contributions to
Indiana University through service to its athletic program.
Mr. Clevenger, a coach and athletic director at Indiana University, was characterized by his commitment to excellence, high ideals, and principles. He was devoted to his staff and worked untiringly to assist the coaches in developing their programs and establishing high ethical standards.
The award perpetuates the ideals Mr. Clevenger set forth in his many years of service to Indiana University as a student, athlete, coach, and athletic administrator. The honor is bestowed upon living I-Men who, as alumni, have made outstanding contributions to Indiana University through service to its athletic program. This is the highest honor given an I-Man by the I-Men’s Association.
Z.G. Clevenger was known as Mr. Clev to generations of Hoosier athletes, students, and friends. He was characterized by his commitment to excellence, high ideals, and principles. As an athlete, Mr. Clevenger participated in football and baseball at IU. He was captain of the 1903 football team and was named an All American. In 1904, he was the captain of the baseball team.
Mr. Clevenger served the athletic department as baseball coach in 1905 and 1906 and basketball coach in 1905. He was our athletic director in 1906 and again from 1923 to 1946. During his 23 years as our athletic director he changed the Indiana University program from one that had won three Big Ten Championships in its first 23 years in the conference to a program that had 32 Big Ten titles, six National Collegiate Crowns, and two National AAU Championships before his retirement in 1946.
Mr. Clevenger’s tenure as athletic director has been considered a “golden era” in Hoosier athletics, but Clevenger himself contributed the success of his years to what he called the “five aces” of his coaching staff: Earl C. “Billy” Hayes (track), Everett Dean (basketball), Billy Thom (wrestling), Branch McCracken (basketball), and Alvin “Bo” McMillen (football).
Indiana Athletics - Hall of Fame
Football 1900-1903, captain 1903
Baseball 1901-04, captain 1903
Athletic Director 1906, 1923-46
Distinguished Coach and Athletic Director at Tennessee, Kansas State, and Missouri
Clevenger Award honors made in his name at IU
Member, National Football Hall of Fame
