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We’ve been following Duke Basketball for quite some time, and while it’s a cherished tradition, there haven’t been many Jewish players over the years. Off the top of our heads, we can name three: the legendary Art Heyman, the dependable Bob Fleischer, and of course, Jon Scheyer—who played a key role in Duke’s 2010 national championship and now leads the team as head coach.
Aside from them, maybe Robbie West? But honestly, we’re not entirely sure.
That said, Boswell recently pointed us to a much earlier Jewish Blue Devil who just passed away at the age of 102. And calling his life interesting might not do it justice.
Marshall Rauch had a brief stint at Duke during World War II, back when Cameron Indoor Stadium (then Duke Indoor Stadium) was only three years old. Growing up during the Depression, he even sold pigeons in high school. He ended up applying to Duke because some of his friends were heading south for college.
There’s a lot more detail in the Wall Street Journal piece about him, but here are a few highlights:
- He joined the Army Air Corps to avoid infantry duty, but because of severe airsickness, was reassigned to the infantry and fought in France.
- Married in 1946, right after the war, and remained married until 2010 when his wife passed.
- Founded what became the world’s largest Christmas tree ornament company.
- Served in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
- Served on the UNC Board of Governors.
- Mentored notable people, including Baron Davis.
It’s not strictly a basketball story, but the Duke Brotherhood runs deep—and Marshall Rauch definitely deserves a mention. He lived a remarkable and, by all accounts, wonderful life.
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