Football Hall of Fame

The name of Corwin "Cornie" Clatt has become a household word among area football fans. Clatt, a high school, collegiate, and NFL football standout, later coached at East Peoria High School, his alma mater.

During Clatt's four years of play at East Peoria High School, the Red Raiders amassed a record of 26-5-1. As a senior in 1940, Clatt was chosen as a first-team allstater and was named the outstanding high school player in Illinois.

Playing for Notre Dame under Coach Frank Leahy, Clatt was the leading Irish ground-gainer in 1942, with 138 carries for 698 yards. That team's record was 7-2-2. Clatt was also an outstanding defensive player in the days of two-way football. He once ran 82 yards for a touchdown on an intercepted pass play, and was selected a third-team all-American defensive player. Clatt also played on two Notre Dame national championship teams in 1946 (8-0-1) and 1947 (9-0).

Clatt played several seasons as linebacker for the Chicago Cardinals of the NFL, playing in the championship game in 1948 against Philadelphia. In 1957, Clatt become East Peoria High School football coach and also coached the track team, which won the Mid-State 8 title in 1963.