HOF 2006 – Athletics
Amundson was twice picked to be on the Argus Leader Football All State 1st Team. The first time was in 1968 as the Defensive Back and then again in 1969 as the Quarterback. He was undefeated in discus during his junior and senior year and undefeated his senior year in shot put. His senior year, at the State Track Meet, he placed 3rd in the high jump, and won the shot put with a state record of 62’1” and set the state and world record with a 211’4” discus throw. He was the first prep athlete to throw over 200’. He won and set a meet record in the Golden West track meet where the top ten performers in the nation are invited to his meet in Sacramento, CA. Amundson still holds the Aberdeen Central school record for shot put and discus.
At Iowa State University, he participated in indoor/outdoor track and field and football. His junior year as running back, despite injuries, he rushed for the school record of 1316 yards. His senior year, Amundson played quarterback and won various awards including All Big Eight 1st Team Quarterback, Big Eight Player of the Year and All-American Quarterback. He played in the Sun Bowl, Liberty Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl, and College All Star Game. He also qualified for and threw discus in two NCAA National Track Meets in 1970 and 1973.
After college, Amundson was the first round draft choice for the Houston Oilers in 1973 where he played four years in the NFL.
He was the SD High School Athlete of the Decade 1960-1969. Sports Illustrated selected him to be among the 50 Greatest Sports Figures in South Dakota.
George and his wife Terry live in Bellaire, TX, and they have three daughters: Amy, Katy and Kelsey.