Jack Vetter lettered four years in both football and track and field at McPherson College. Vetter came to McPherson as a 190 pound freshman out of Kansas City, Mo., and would go on to earn first team All-Kansas Conference honors in 1940 and 1941, along with being named a member of the 1941 Kansas All-Star Team.

Vetter found himself sidelined for a majority of his sophomore year with a back injury, but came back strong in his junior campaign. He was a punter and fullback for the Bulldogs and as a running back was named first team All-Kansas Conference. The highlight of the year was handing Ottawa University their first conference loss in three years. In the 6-0 McPherson win, Vetter tossed a 14-yard game winning touchdown pass to Dick Callen. The pass turned out to be the only touchdown pass thrown by the Bulldogs in the 1940 season.

Despite seeing limited playing time late in his senior season due to a leg injury, Jack earned first team All-Kansas Conference honors for the second straight year. Vetter found himself involved in another big moment in McPherson College football history as he scored McPherson’s winning touchdown in the Bulldogs 7-0 Homecoming victory over the College of Emporia.

Vetter’s success as a football player was starting to become recognized across the state of Kansas as he was named to the Kansas all-star team for the USO benefit game to be played at Fort Riley against Army. After the USO game, Vetter received offers from the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Vetter eventually decided on the Brooklyn Dodgers, but not before finishing his degree at McPherson College and competing in track and field for one more season. Vetter lettered in track and placed third in the Kansas Conference Championships in the discus.

Vetter’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers made him the first McPherson College athletes to sign and play for a professional team. After playing one season with the Dodgers, Jack enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. Vetter earned the rank of captain and was a recipient of the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Jack has been active in his church, serving as the church chair and a deacon for many years. Jack is the father of three children; Jack (deceased), Chuck and Marcia. He and his wife Charlotte currently reside in McPherson, Kan.