Bert Bleke ’67 was a star wide receiver for the Valpo football program for three seasons in the mid-1960s.

Despite playing just three years, Bert ranks seventh in program history with 1,636 receiving yards. A threat to go the distance every time he caught the football, Bert averaged 18.6 yards per catch during his three seasons and finished his Valpo career with 14 touchdown receptions. He earned First Team All-Indiana Collegiate Conference accolades in each of his final two seasons as a Crusader and was an integral part of the 1964 squad, which shared the ICC championship crown.

Bert also played one season of varsity basketball for the Brown and Gold.

A 1967 graduate of Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, Bert is retired after a long career in education, including more than a decade as a school system superintendent.