Forest Van Hook

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Forest Clyde Van Hook (December 3, 1883 – January 29, 1937) was an American football guard who played for the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1906 to 1908. At 6 feet tall and 295 pounds, he became one of Illinois’ most celebrated linemen, earning three straight All-Western selections and three third-team All-American honors (1906–1908), despite bias against players from western schools. Walter Camp himself picked him as an All-American in 1908, and he served as team captain as a senior.

Van Hook grew up on a farm near Mount Pulaski, Illinois, attended a one-room school, and went to Mount Pulaski High School. He then entered the University of Illinois, where he excelled in football and track while also being an outstanding student. He graduated first in his class in 1908, never receiving a grade below 90%.

After Illinois, he attended Northwestern Medical School and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1912, finishing second in his class. He briefly worked on the Northwestern football coaching staff before beginning his medical career. He interned at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1914 returned to Mount Pulaski to practice medicine for the rest of his life. Van Hook also served as a firefighter and remained involved with Illinois athletics, encouraging others to play and often attending games, sometimes buying two tickets because of his size.

He was married and had four children. Forest Van Hook died on January 29, 1937, from complications of diabetes.