Raeder, Paul

Paul Raeder – (2007)

 

Paul Raeder came to Lorain, from Detroit, Michigan in October 1954, following the 1954-55 football season. He was a member of the Lorain High School Basketball team, playing on the reserve squad during the 54-55 season. During the winter Paul also played hockey with the Lorain Strollers, coached by Ken Meyers. In the spring he participated on the Lorain High track team. His love of sports kept him active and in top physical condition.

In the fall of 1956 Paul was eligible to play in the backfield on a talent laden Lorain high football team that included other future Lorain Sports Hall of Famers, Gene Mudrock, Jay Hershey, Jim Foley and defensive end George Belu. Paul quickly established himself as an outstanding athlete in just his first year on the team.

He excelled on both the 1956 and 1957 Lorain High Football teams, playing both offensive and defensive halfback. In only his second year in the program he led the team with 777 net yards and a 7.47-yard average. During his senior year, he captured All-Ohio Honorable mention. He was named Buckeye Conference 1st team defensive back and 2nd team offensive back. He was selected by the Cleveland Press as the player of the week and honored at the 10th annual Cleveland Press Football banquet. In his senior season he came in third in conference scoring race with 36 points and finished with 49 points overall. He received 2 varsity letters in football and one in basketball with two junior varsity basketball letters. He was a National Honor Society member and senior class president of 317 classmates.

Upon graduation Paul had scholarship offers from several Division I universities and chose to continue his football career at the University of Michigan playing for Coach “Bump” Elliot. He earned three varsity letters as a defensive back at the U of M. The Michigan defensive team was nicknamed after him known as “Raeder’s Raiders”. Although his chief claim to fame was on the defensive side of the ball he also played on offense as a backup fullback. In a game against Big Ten foe Illinois, Raeder filled in at fullback leading the Wolverines to victory scoring two touchdowns and averaged 8.9 yards per carry. He also played his usual position as defensive corner linebacker. His career offensive totals included 20 rushing attempts, averaging 5.2 yards a carry with two touchdowns, one reception and three punt returns. In his honor, the University gives an annual award each year to the athlete that demonstrates character, team spirit, and dedication. It is known as “the Raeder’s Raiders Spirit Award”.

After graduation from Michigan, Paul became a partner in a landscaping and architecture business. He received numerous awards and recognition for his landscape designs. He also found time to volunteer for many organizations and planning commissions. He had a truly unique presence about him. He was an excellent athlete with scholastic brilliance, unique personality, enthusiasm, and humanitarian attributes.

*WELCOME, THE MEMORY OF PAUL RAEDER, INTO THE LORAIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME*