As a brilliant halfback at Indiana at the turn of the Twentieth Century, "Z.G." Clevenger was known for his darting quickness and untempered competitive spirit. He was a team leader from the day he first played in a Hoosier uniform, eventually serving as team captain in 1903.
Although IU football struggled in those early days of the 1900's, Clevenger's talents set him apart and drew wide-spread recognition for the fleet-footed back. He played baseball and basketball at Indiana as well, and followed graduation by serving as head coach in those two sports. Clevenger returned to his old school in 1923 and became a venerated athletic director, holding that position for 23 years before retiring in 1946.