Schoenbaum, Alex

After an All-America career as a tackle at Ohio State in the late 1930s, Schoenbaum opened a drive-in restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia in 1947. He developed it into Shoney's (he also acquired the Big Boy franchise), one of the most successful family restaurant chains in the country.

A successful businessman and philanthropist, Schoenbaum once said, "You are put on this earth to accomplish something. If you don't, you have no business being here." The University of Charleston named its Schoenbaum Library in his honor.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. August 8, 1915 - d. December 1996

Career Highlights:
Schoenbaum became a regular after the first game of the 1936 season and was named AP All-Western Conference honorable mention. That year, Ohio State had a record of 5-3-0 (4-1-0, tied for second in conference).

In 1937, Alex was named Grantland Rice All-America honorable mention, and AP All-Western Conference second team as the Buckeyes finished the season ranked No. 13. Their stingy defense allowed only two teams to score all year. Unfortunately, those two games were losses for the Buckeyes as they fell to Southern Cal, 13-12, and Indiana, 10-0. The Buckeyes had an overall record of 6-2-0 (5-1-0 in conference) and outscored their opponents 125-23 that year.

In 1938, Ohio State struggled to a record of 4-3-1 (3-2-1 in conference). Schoenbaum still excelled, and was named Grantland Rice All-America honorable mention, and AP All-Western Conference second team. Alex played in the 1939 College All-Star Game, and also played in All-Star games against the New York Giants and Cleveland Rams of the NFL.

Origin:
Richmond, Virginia

Career Dates:
Schoenbaum played tackle at Ohio State University from 1936-1938.

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