Benjamin Guy Flaherty papers, circa 1901-1995

Benjamin Guy Flaherty, known throughout most of his life as Guy Flaherty, was born July 3, 1885. He received bachelor and masters degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Washington. During his matriculation as an undergraduate, he was also a member of the football team and played every minute of every game during the 1906 and 1907 seasons. Serious health problems hampered his participation during the 1908 season, although he turned out for every practice. For his efforts, Flaherty was voted "most inspirational" player by his teammates in 1908. He was the first to receive the medal awarded for this recognition which his teammates also voted to name in his honor. The Guy Flaherty Medal is considered the top award given to a University of Washington football player. This medal is also generally regarded as the first inspirational award offered in the country in intercollegiate athletics. Mr. Flaherty died in Brooklyn, New York on April 4, 1965.