John Roosma
(1900-1983)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1961
Card Shown:
Cut Signature
Position: F
Height: 6’1″
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John Roosma was a key member of the Passaic High School “Wonder Teams” that dominated high school basketball in New Jersey from 1919-1925. Coached by Hall of Famer Ernest Blood, the Passaic High School Hilltoppers won 159 games in a row before the streak was snapped on February 6, 1925. Roosma led Passaic to 57 of the 159 consecutive wins and graduated in 1921. Many believe the winning streak to be the longest in basketball history.
John Roosma then attended West Point, the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1926. While there he continued to be a top scorer, reportedly accounting for 44% of Army’s points during his college career. John helped Army to a 33-game winning streak during his time there.
Awards and Honors
- Under Coach Blood, Roosma led the Passaic High School Wonder Team to three state championships.
- John was selected All-State in New Jersey three times during his high school basketball career.
- At West Point, John was a captain of the basketball team and was named an All-American three times.
- Roosma led Army to a record of 73 wins and only 13 losses during his time at West Point.
- He was recognized with the Army Athletic Sabre as the outstanding athlete at the military academy.
Points of Interest
- John played college basketball at West Point, the United States Military Academy, under another Hall of Fame coach, Harry Fisher.
- Roosma is believed to be the first college basketball player to score 1,000 points in his college career.
- In 1923, John led West Point to an undefeated 17-0 record.
- West Point’s basketball Most Valuable Player Award is named after Roosma.
- Colonel John Roosma served in World War II, commanding the 334th combat infantry regiment in France and Germany. He served in the army for 30 years and retired in 1956 as a colonel.
John Roosma Cut Auto Card
John Roosma Signed First Day Cover
