Warren Oliver Druetzler (June 8, 1929 – September 21, 2017)[1] was an American athlete, who competed mainly in the 1500 m. Druetzler was a finalist in the 1500 m at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
Warren Oliver Druetzler (June 8, 1929 – September 21, 2017)[1] was an American athlete, who competed mainly in the 1500 m. Druetzler was a finalist in the 1500 m at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
Growing up in Illinois, he ran for Lyons Township High School where he set the state record in the mile that stood for 23 years.[2] He was the 1947 IHSA State Champion.[3]
In cross country running Druetzler was a 3-time NCAA top-10 placer and national runner-up (1950) individually for the Michigan State Spartans.[4] He was also a member of two national champion teams (1948 and 1949) and one runner-up team (1950) at the NCAA Men's Division I Cross Country Championship.
In track and field Druetzler won the NCAA Men's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships title in the mile run in 1951.[5] He was also a member of the 4x880 yard relay team that set the world record in 1950.[2] That year he was also the United States national champion in the 3000 meters steeplechase.[6]
He continued in the sport as an official.[2]
At the 1952 Olympics Druetzler won his heat, finished 4th in his semi-final, and finished 12th in the final.[7]
Druetzler served in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Captain by the time he retired from the reserves.[8]
