Findlay’s Harry Gonso was tabbed one of the finest quarterbacks in the history of Indiana University when he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Led Indiana to its only Rose Bowl appearance in 1967, falling 14-3 to No.1-ranked USC and O.J. Simpson. Harry had 9 of 25 passing, 110 yards, 1 interception with 15 rushes for 11 yards in Rose Bowl. Team MVP for his performance and leadership in 1967 & 1968. 5-11, 187-pound quarterback was a 3-year starter for John Pont teams. Guided Indiana to 9-2 record and share of Big Ten title at 5-1 in 1967; 6-4 overall, 4-3 and tie for 5th in Big Ten in 1968; 4-6 overall, 3-4 and tie for 5th in Big Ten in 1969. Selected to East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl after ‘69 season. 1969 Indiana tri-captain. Indiana’s second Academic All-American in 1967; ‘67 & ‘68 all-Big 10 Academic selection; 1967 All-Big 10 quarterback. School’s all-time leader in passing yardage and touchdowns until 1980, still ranks No.6 all-time in passing touchdowns (32), No.9 in total offense (4,448 yards), No. 9 in career rushing attempts (473). In his career, passed for 3,376 yards, and he ran for 1,072 yards. Rushed for career-high 127 yards on 22 carries against Wisconsin (14-9 win) as well as 22 carries times for 119 yards vs. Iowa (21-17 win); 115 yards on 25 carries vs. Kentucky (12-10 win) in 1967. In 1969, had career-best passing yards of 229 in 16-0 win over Michigan State when he completed 22 of 36 passes; passed for 228 yards on 23 of 30 attempts vs. Kentucky (58-30 win) and had 206 yards on 12 of 29 passing vs. Wisconsin (36-34 loss) in 1969; and was 13 of 14 passing for 221 yards vs. Baylor (40-36 win) in 1968. 1982 Indiana University Hall of Fame inductee. Earned his law degree at Indiana. Was one of nation’s top high school swimmers, clocking a time of 22.5 in the 50-yard freestyle at Findlay High. Won Ohio diving title for 15- and 16-year olds. 1966 Findlay High graduate and 2nd team Buckeye Conference quarterback in 1965. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1966 MLB Draft (29th round). Currently serving 4-year term on Indiana University Board of Trustees.
