Walter Giesler
Encyclopedia
Walter John Giesler was an American
soccer player, referee, and businessman.
, Giesler would become a towering figure on the Midwestern sports landscape. After playing at McBride High School, he would compete in several amateur and professional leagues, including the Ben Millers
in the St. Louis Soccer League
. Following his playing days, he became an administrator and referee, and owned a sporting goods business in St. Louis.
during the 1948 Olympic Games
in London
and the 1950 FIFA World Cup
in Brazil
.
in 1962 and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 1971. He died in Philadelphia on July 7, 1976.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer player, referee, and businessman.
Early life and career
Born in St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, Giesler would become a towering figure on the Midwestern sports landscape. After playing at McBride High School, he would compete in several amateur and professional leagues, including the Ben Millers
Ben Millers
Ben Millers was a U.S. soccer club sponsored by the Ben W. Miller Hat Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1913, it entered the St. Louis Soccer League two years later, winning seven league titles and one National Challenge Cup before its disbandment in 1935.-History:In 1913, Ben Millers...
in the St. Louis Soccer League
St. Louis Soccer League
The St. Louis Soccer League was a soccer league based in St. Louis, Missouri, that existed from 1907 to 1938. At its founding, it was the only fully professional soccer league in the United States.-History:...
. Following his playing days, he became an administrator and referee, and owned a sporting goods business in St. Louis.
United States Soccer Football Association
Giesler was the second vice-president of the United States Soccer Football Association, serving from 1945 to 1948. He was then elected president and served in that capacity from 1948 until 1949.U.S. national team
Giesler coached the United States men's national soccer teamUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
during the 1948 Olympic Games
1948 Summer Olympics
The 1948 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in London, England, United Kingdom. After a 12-year hiatus because of World War II, these were the first Summer Olympics since the 1936 Games in Berlin...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and the 1950 FIFA World Cup
1950 FIFA World Cup
The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth FIFA World Cup. It was the first World Cup since 1938, the planned 1942 and 1946 competitions having been canceled owing to World War II...
in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.
Later life
Giesler was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of FameNational Soccer Hall of Fame
The National Soccer Hall of Fame is a private, non-profit institution established in 1979 that honors soccer achievements in the United States.-History:...
in 1962 and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 1971. He died in Philadelphia on July 7, 1976.