Roundy Coughlin

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Roundy Coughlin was the pen name of Joseph Leo Coughlin (September 18, 1889 – December 9, 1971). He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and became a beloved sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal, writing mainly as "Roundy." Before journalism, he ran a pool hall on State Street and became famous for predicting college football games. His sports takes were picked up by The Daily Cardinal, and The Capital Times offered him a weekly column for five dollars. In 1924 he switched to the Wisconsin State Journal after editors promised him a roadster with his name on it. He stayed with the paper until retiring after the 1970 college football season. Roundy wrote in a playful, stream-of-consciousness style that felt friendly and funny, often bending grammar but making readers feel at home. He also started the Empty Stocking Club to raise money for needy children and people with disabilities. A spoof interview with Paul Dirac circulates online with the date "31 April" but it is not a genuine Roundy piece. His bylines were usually simply "Roundy."