Floyd Edsall - Class of 1940
Floyd Edsall was born December 14, 1921 in Covelo, California and moved to Sparks, Nevada soon afterward. While attending Sparks High School, he excelled in football, basketball, track and field. He set a record for the high jump and high hurdles.
Mr. Edsall then attended University of Nevada Reno from 1940 through 1942 on athletic and academic scholarships. With the United States entering World War II, he left the University of Nevada Reno to serve and protect his country.
General Edsall began his military career in 1942 as a ROTC Cadet at UNR. He was first called to active duty in 1943, and then was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry in July 1944. He served in combat in the European Theater of Operations with the 254th Infantry Regiment and was decorated for bravery with the Silver Star and three Bronze Star medals. His titles in the United States Army ranged from private, lieutenant and captain, to major general. After serving in the war, Floyd Edsall returned to UNR and received his bachelor and master degrees, as well as lettering in football and track.
He later taught and coached at Lovelock, Elko and Sparks High Schools. While coaching at Sparks High School, the football team won the 1940-1941 State Championships. In addition, he was an Associate Professor at UNR and for ten years, he was an official at the Invitational Indoor Track meets hosted by UNR at the fairgrounds. He also served as an Adjutant General for 39 years for the State of Nevada and as President of the National Guard Association of the United States for three years. In his honor, the Nevada National Guard Training Center bears his name. From 1980 - 1983 General Edsall was Executive Director for the National Championship Air Races held in Stead, Nevada.
He has been happily married to his Sparks High School sweetheart, Laverne for 55 years. He has five children: Trudie, Leonard, Cheryl, Susan and Brenda. Now he has thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Inducted 2002
