Jim “Short” Klink
Jim “Short” Klink was a three-sport super star at Arrowhead during its very first year of existence: 1956-57.
In football, he played both ways, gaining yards as a nifty running back on offense and then as a ball-hawking defensive back. Short also handled some of the team’s return duties and was a threat anytime he touched the ball. He finished the season as the team’s leading ground-gainer and was among the team’s leaders in tackles. Others outside of AHS noticed his efforts and he was named All-Conference and All-County that season.
In basketball, his smooth jump-shot was Short’s trademark as he helped lead the Warhawks to the school’s first Conference championship. As a starting guard, he finished second in team scoring and was named All-Conference.
In baseball, Short was the team’s slugging, slick-fielding shortstop. He led AHS to a Conference title and a trip to the WIAA Boys State Baseball Tournament. Short was the leading hitter on that team and deftly handled his shortstop duties.
Short continued his baseball career playing in the Land O Lakes league for 17 years. He finished second in hitting three times, is known as one of the best all-time outfielders and was unanimously inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame in 1996.
Jim Short Klink passed away on February 14, 2008.