Media

Murray Hurt

Year Inducted: 1985

Category: Media

Schools / Organizations: Rock Island Argus
Galesburg Register
WHBF

Biography: Murray Hurt is a 30-year veteran of the Rock Island Argus. Born in Galesburg, his mother taught Murray and his sportswriter brother Nolan, new words every day since first grade. Murray started using those words with his sports byline for the Galesburg Register at age 17. After a term in service, Murray was hired by the Argus in 1955 and took over as sports editor in 1965. The early 1960’s were busy ones for Hurt who worked the 6 p.m. radio and 10 p.m. television sports shows for WHBF in addition to his duties at the Argus. Hurt recalls his most exciting game at the state finals in 1964 when Rock Island Alleman beat no.1 rated Centralia 57-56. Hurt said, “There’s an unwritten rule in the press box of no cheering,” but Hurt admits he lost his cool and jumped up and down as the Pioneers pulled the upset of the tourney. In 1981, Hurt passed on his reins as executive sports editor and cut back his responsibilities to two outdoor and three general columns a week.  Murray Hurt passed away on November 21, 1994 at the age of 62.