Central Michigan University Athletics
Hall of Fame Profile: Bernie Raterink
9/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
It’s been a while since Bernie Raterink graduated from Central Michigan University - 51 years, to be exact. He’s not been forgotten, though, and this weekend he’ll be inducted into the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor that couldn’t come soon enough, according to a former backfield mate who is already enshrined.
"What I want to know is why it took so long for Bernie to get into the Hall of Fame," said former teammate Jim Podoley, who was inducted to the Hall as part of the original class of 1984. "He was a heckuva football player, and was a great leader for our team. I’m happy to see him get the recognition that he deserves."
Raterink and Podoley shared time in CMU’s backfield from 1954-55. Raterink starred as a senior in 1955, becoming just the second Chippewa to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and tying the then single-season mark for touchdowns with 18, set by Podoley in 1954.
"Jim and I just complimented each other so well back there," Raterink said. "It was a pleasure to play with him. There was never any competition between us we just did what we could to help the football team win."
And win they did, as CMU posted a record of 16-3 during Raterink’s two years as a Chippewa. In 1955, CMU went 8-1, 5-1 in the IIAC. The lone loss that season was by one point on a missed extra point try.
"We had some really great players and a very strong team," Raterink said. "It was great to be a part of a team like that, and I can look back on that and appreciate the kind of success we enjoyed during my time at CMU."
Raterink rushed for 1,044 yards in nine games during the 1955 season, averaging 116.0 rushing yards per contest, a mark that stood as a school record for 12 years. Raterink was named first team Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, as well as the IIAC Most Valuable Player, and was a third team All-America selection by Williamson.
For his efforts, Raterink is being inducted into the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 15 in a ceremony at the Holiday Inn. The six inductees will also be honored at halftime of the CMU-Akron football game on Saturday.
Joining Raterink in the Class of 2006 are Dan Cronkright (baseball, 1982-85), Cathy Heator (softball , 1981-82), Sylvia (Odum) Matthews (basketball, 1982-85), John Smith (track and field, 1965-68) and Kevin Vogel (wrestling, 1988-92).
Tickets for the 2006 induction banquet are still available at a cost of $40 each. To purchase tickets, call the CMU Athletic Ticket Office at 1-888-FIRE-UP2.
