Laurie Walquist

Who was Laurie Walquist?

Lawrence "Laurie" Walquist was a professional American football player who played quarterback for nine seasons for the Chicago Bears. He was born in Rockford, Illinois.

Laurie Walquist attended Rockford High School where he played both basketball and football. He graduated in 1918. Laurie served in the United States Army in 1918 and while he was accepted at West Point, he chose to attend the University of Illinois.

He graduated from U of I in 1922 receiving a BS in Economics. During his collegiate years, he was President of the Junior Class, member of Ma-Wan-Dee, and belonged to Tau Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Kappa Psi fraternities.

Laurie starred in basketball in 1919-20, 20-21, 21-22 and was picked for All Conference Guard in 1922. Additionally, he won four Letters in football, was captain in 1921 and played right-half and quarterback under Coach Bob Zuppke. He was picked for All Conference and All Western in 1919 - 20.

Laurie played with the Chicago Bears for 10 years, 1922–1931 and continued with the team, through the mid-1930s as an assist coach along with Paddy Driscoll under head coach George Halas.