Elliott Becken was a Willamette starter all four years as a lineman on the football team. He helped the Bearcats win the NWC championship four times (1935-38), earning All-Conference honors as a sophomore and First Team All-NWC recognition as a senior. Becken was selected as Willamette's MVP following his sophomore season and was team captain as a junior and a senior. He was named to the A.P. Little All-America Football Team in 1938. He was drafted by the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League, but chose to continue his education. Becken saw active duty in the Army during World War II and was a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve from 1946-68. He received a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. In 1966, he was inducted into the NAIA District 2 Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame.