Walter "Tiny" Partanen - Class of 2001

(Bessemer)

after tryouts with two NFL teams, Green Bay (1937) and Pittsburgh (1938), Partanen helped the St.  Louis Gunners win the AFL minor league championship in 1938.  He also wrestled professionally in St.  Louis.  He was a three-year gridder and grappler at Ferris State University (1934-36), after playing fullback and tackle at Bessemer High School (1929-31), leading the Speed Boys to unbeaten seasons in 1930-31.