Players

Robert F. Gruenig

Year Inducted: 1978

Category: Players

Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) Crane Tech High School
AAU: Denver Safeways/Denver Legion

Biography: Robert F. Gruenig (nicknamed “Ace”) was an all-city player for each of his three varsity seasons at (Chicago) Crane Tech HS.  He was the leading scorer for each season as well—35 points being his high game, before he graduated in 1931.  After high school Gruenig became an Amateur Athletic Union icon.  He was 10 times an all-tournament player selection from 1937-1948.  In that span, he led the Denver Safeways (1937) and Denver Legion (1942) to National AAU Championships.  Robert, a 6’8’ center, was awarded the Los Angeles Sports Award Medallion as the nation’s top player in 1943.  Following his playing days, Robert became a high school coach.  Robert Gruenig passed away on August 11, 1958.