University of North Dakota Athletics

  Following his illustrious UND athletic career, Gainor played pro football in 1939 and 1940 with the Chicago (Now St. Louis) Cardinals, St. Louis Gunners and Wilmington Clippers. At UND he lettered 1936-38 in football as a standout end and a super pass-receiver and blocker. He was a co-captain of the 1938 and played on West-coached Sioux teams that won 18, lost nine against some of the top teams in the Midwest. He was named to the All North Central Conference football team at end three straight seasons, one of few to achieve that honor. In addition to his brilliant football career he also lettered as Sioux track weightman and was an excellent boxer, in an era when UND had strong boxing teams. He retired from the U.S. navy in 1962, as a naval aviator, serving at many European and Pacific stations and retired with 6,000 hours pilot time.