Hall of Fame Profile: Charles Markey

Oct. 30, 2003

If you were to look at Charles Markey standing on a football field you would probably figure that he was the kicker, not a running back that held CMU's rushing record for 22 years.

During his playing days, Markey stood 5-7 and weighed 165 pounds.

"He wasn't a giant of a football player," said his former coach Roy Kramer. "But, what he lacked in size he made up for in competitiveness. He was pound-for-pound about as tough of a guy as I've ever seen."

Markey not only had to overcome his lack of size, but he also played his first two seasons in the shadows of Chippewa great Jesse "Great" Lakes.

"When he arrived on campus, Charles found himself playing behind a terrific back," said CMU Hall of Famer Kramer. "He always worked hard and eventually got his chance."

When the opportunity finally presented itself, the undersized back from Saginaw made his time count.

In 1972, Markey ran for 1,513 yards which stood as a school record for 22 years until All-American Brian Pruitt broke it in 1994. He finished second among college division rushers in yards gained that season and was fifth in yards per game with 137.5.

For his efforts on the football field, Charles Markey is being inducted into the CMU Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend.

In 1972, Markey ran for 1,513 yards which stood as a school record for 22 years until All-American Brian Pruitt broke it in 1994.

The induction banquet will take place at the Comfort Inn on Friday, Oct. 31, and inductees will also be recognized at halftime of the CMU versus EMU football game on Nov. 1. Tickets for the induction banquet cost $25 and may be purchased at the ticket office at Rose Arena.

Also being inducted are Beth Bull (softball), Dean Kreiner (baseball), Rob Johnson (track), Jeff Mills (wrestling), and Steve Papes (baseball).

Markey was also a durable back as proven by his 290 rushing attempts in 1972, a record that also stood for 22 years.

"One of things I remember most about Charles was that he was very rarely injured," said Kramer. "He used to carry the ball 35 to 40 times a game but rarely missed a down."

Charles also made his presence felt on special teams where he averaged 30.0 yard per kickoff return.

He was named team MVP and Most Consistent Back and was tabbed as a third team Little All-American by the Associated Press.

"Charles is very deserving of this honor," said Kramer. "He is one of my very favorite football players that I ever coached."

Markey currently lives in Midland and works for IBM.