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