MSOE Athletic Hall of Fame
As the first athletic director and the guiding force behind the
origin of athletics at MSOE, Len Vanden Boom is widely recognized as
the forefather of MSOE athletics. Overcoming the initial growing pains,
Vanden Boom started a three-sport athletic program and secured a
gymnasium for campus use. His initial groundwork has now blossomed into
a successful Athletic Department carrying fifteen sports.
Few coaches can boast the kind of success Vanden Boom has had with his baseball teams. At the time of induction, Vanden Boom was ranked in the top 50 in winning percentage of all active coaches in the NCAA Division III. His baseball teams in the 1970s were an undeniable force, winning six conference titles while Vanden Boom collected conference "Coach of the Year" honors each championship season. In 1978, he was named "College Baseball Coach of the Year" by the WHSBCA. There is no question Vanden Boom has had great success on the baseball field, however, he may be best remembered for his ability to bring students together and provide a positive collegiate experience for them.