University of Detroit Mercy Athletics

Rappaport was a member of the famous “Seven Iron Men” at the U of D during the mid-1930’s and a teammate of fellow inductee Bill Daly. His specialty was in the sprint events, especially the 60-yard dash. With only a seven-man squad, he also took part in the 100 and 220-yard dash events. He was selected as a member of the American relay team along with teammates Joe Kelly and John Ryan during the International Indoor Track Meet, held in Hamilton, ONT. In 1934, in a meet against Michigan State Normal, he finished first in the 100-yard dash with a time of 9.9 seconds and placed second in the 220-yard dash. His most prestigious honor came when he was designated as a member of the United States International Spring-Relay Team along with the great Jesse Owens, winner of four gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games, and Ralph Metcalfe, who finished second to Owens in the 100 and 200-meter events during the 1936 Olympics.