Joseph Louis "Chalk" McKim (August 25, 1891 – July 25, 1965) was a Mexican-born American rugby union player who played prop for the United States men's national team in its first two capped matches in 1912 and 1913.[1]
Biography
McKim was born on August 25, 1891, in Los Refugios, Sonora, Mexico, the only son of John Harmon McKim and Pastoria McKim (born Caranza).[2] McKim's mother died in 1896, and McKim later moved to an Imperial Valley ranch with his father, as his father made a career transition from silver mining to farming.[2]
McKim attended Pomona High School,[2] where he played rugby, captaining the team during his senior year,[3] and excelled in track and field, competing in hurdles, pole vault, high jump, shot put, and long jump.[4] After graduating high school, McKim attended the University of California, where he studied agriculture,[3] and gained the nickname, "Chalk."[2] As a freshman, he was featured in a newspaper article, under the pseudonym C.H.A. McKim, in which his physique was described as "physically perfect" and "like [a] Greek statue."[2][4] Beginning with his sophomore season, McKim played with the University of California's varsity rugby team for three years, serving as team captain in his final year.[3]
On November 16, 1912, McKim played for the United States at prop in its first capped match—a 12–8 loss to Australia.[5] On November 15, 1913, McKim also played for the United States at prop in its first test match against New Zealand.[6] In November 1914, McKim also played in an uncapped match for the Americans against Barbarian F.C.[7]
Later in life, McKim would marry Grace Holdzkom, with whom he had three children.[2] He lived with his family at the Imperial Valley ranch where he had been raised.[2] McKim died on July 25, 1965, in San Diego, California.[1][2]
