Groman, Columbian graduate who starred with 'Berg and in pros, dies

Groman, Columbian graduate who starred with 'Berg and in pros, diesBill Groman, a Columbian graduate who went on to star at Heidelberg and later with the Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills, has died. He was 83.Groman was an All-American receiver in 1957 when he played for College Football Hall of Fame coach Paul Hoernemann. That season, he led the country with 19 touchdown catches. Groman graduated from 'Berg in 1958. Later, he was a charter member of the Heidelberg Athletic Hall of Fame.Groman played six seasons of pro football, which included stints with the Oilers, Denver Broncos and Bills.Groman's best season was his rookie campaign. The 24-year old set the American Football League on fire with 72 catches for 1,473 yards and 12 touchdowns.And that was in a 14 game season. The yardage total was an AFL rookie record. In all the years since, no rookie in the AFL or NFL matched it.Groman was part of AFL championship teams with the Oilers (1960-61) and the Bills (1964-65).Though injuries derailed his promising on-field career, Groman continued his professional football career as a scout with the Atlanta Falcons.