Born in 1915 in Detroit Lakes, Wally’s father was a Stone Mason and he must have learned from an early age how to be tough. His biographical details are sparse but at the advanced age of 26, Wally was still playing football for Bernie Bierman at the U of M. While at the U of M Wally also boxed and wrestled. After his glorious career at the U ended in 1942 Wally enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Lt. Commander during World War II.
After the War he briefly cut his coaching teeth leading programs at South Dakota State and Luther before taking over the U of M job in 1952.