WILLIS WINKLE
Willis Winkle (SHS Class of 1957) epitomized the model student-athlete, excelling in both the
classroom and on the field. Willis was valedictorian of the SHS class of 1957 while also
earning an astonishing 15 athletic letters. On the football field, Willis was a quarterback and
halfback on the fall 1956 team that had only one loss – to Culver, the team that ended up
winning state championship game. He was named to the Central Oregon All-Star team for
football. On the basketball court, Willis was a guard on the 1957 team that won the district
title and finished fourth at state with an overall record of 23-2. On the track, Willis crossed
the spectrum of speed, distance, and strength. He excelled in the 220, 440, 880, shot put,
discus, and on the 4 x 220 relay team. At the district meet in 1957 he finished first in the 220,
shot put, and on the 4 x 220 relay team (which also finished 3
rd
at the state meet), while also
finishing second in the discus. However, his most notable performances were on the baseball
field. He regularly led the league in batting, and led the team to a second-place finish in the
1956 state tournament. He was generally considered one of the top pitchers of his era in
Central Oregon, while also playing first, third, and shortstop. During August 1957, Willis
signed a baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals system, eventually playing in the
Pioneer League. Willis eventually left baseball and pursued a career in banking, finance and
insurance with, among others, First National Bank and Les Schwab. Outstanding student,
athlete, professional, and businessman – Willis did it all.
OUR TEAM • OUR TOWN • OUR TRADITION
SISTERS SCHOOL DISTRICT
OUTLAW HALL OF FAME • 2017 INDUCTEE
