North by Northwestern

Northwestern alum Frank Aschenbrenner died of cancer Monday, Jan. 30, at the age of 86, according to a Chicago Tribune story.

Aschenbrenner (’49) played halfback for the Wildcats during their 1949 Rose Bowl victory against California, where he was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. His 73-yard touchdown run (viewable on YouTube) during the game set a Rose Bowl record for longest run from scrimmage.

Aschenbrenner, a member of the Northwestern’s Sigma Nu chapter, was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1993. He played briefly for the Chicago Hornets in the All-America Football Conference in 1949.

Aschenbrenner is survived by his wife Charleyne.

Updated with photos, Tuesday, Feb. 7 2012.