Northwestern State University of Louisana

Heckel was a three-time All-Gulf States Conference tackle from 1957-1959 and a four-time All-GSC honoree in the shot put and discus … set school records in both events … broke the GSC record twice in the shot put with a best of 52-9 … Heckel received Williamson's Mid Bracket All American football recognition as a Demon senior ... Heckel turned down professional offers to enter coaching … Slidell High School's first All-America, Heckel was recruited by SEC schools but chose NSC … he and Billy Cannon captained the South team in the Louisiana High School All Star game … on Top 100 Demons of the Century roster chosen for 2007 football  centennial celebration