Francis J. Berst, Sr.
Born in Buffalo, NY on January 12, 1912
Attended Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY
Attended Manhattan College and Canisius College where he received a Master degree.
Passed away on August 15, 2004 in Clarence, NY
Athletic Career:
- 7-time US National throw Champion (1941, 1942, 1943, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950)
- Set US National Records the 56-pound weight throw twice (1942 and 1947)
- 1953 Canadian National Champion
- Set Canadian Records in the 56-pound weight throw three times in 1950 (best is 41-0)
- Set Niagara AAU Records in
- 35-pound weight throw in 1942 (55-7)
- 56-pound weight throw in 1942 (39-3 1/4), in 1947 (41-6), in 1955 (42-3 1/2)
- 16-pound Hammer event has been an “unofficial” 185 feet best throw
- 56-pound weight throw: 42-3 1/2 (Niagara AAU Record)
- Set US national Record of 39 Feet 3 1/4 inches in 1942 (US and Niagara AAU Record)
- Set US national Record of 41-6 in 1947 (US and Niagara AAU Record)
- 35-pound weight throw (indoors): 55-7 (Niagara AAU Record)
Honors
- Named to First Team All-High Football team for the 1931 season as a tackle
- Earned All-East honors as a left tackle on the gridiron.
- Earned All-Metropolitan honors as a left tackle on the gridiron.
- Named to the 1941 All-America track and field team in the 56 Pound Weight Throw by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
- Named to the 1942 All-America track and field team in the 35- and 56-Pound Weight Throws by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
- New York Athletic Club Hall of Fame Class of 1951
- Awarded a life membership to the NYAC in 1951
- Niagara Track & Field Hall of Fame Inaugural Class (Class of 1998)
- Manhattan College Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 1999
- U.S. Track and Field Association Hall of Fame 1998