University of South Dakota Athletics

Ray Schamber was a two-sport star for South Dakota, excelling in both football and track and field. Schamber earned all-North Central Conference honors as a running back ain 1956-57. He was the NCC scoring champion in 1956 with 43 points as the Coyotes finished second in the NCC race. Labeled big, fast, and powerful (6-1, 200: 10.0 in 100-yard dash), Schamber was a versatile performer. He also lettered three times in track specializing in the 100,200, 440, and mile relay. He was the early USD record holder in the 220. On the gridiron Schamber was almost unstoppable. He scored three touchdowns in a 20-19 victory against Iowa State Teachers College in November, 1956. Schamber scored on runs of 45 and 25 yards in the first and third quarter before snagging a game-winning 47-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 112 yards rushing on the only eight carries. Schamber was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 10th round of the 1957 NFL draft. He led Tyndall High School to two straight undefeated seasons, including outscoring opponents 210-12 in 1953. In 1953, he won the 100 and 220 yard dashes, anchored the winning 880 relay and placed third in the shot put for 18 points leading Tyndall to the state crown.