Armstrong grew up on Madison Street with lifelong friend Herm Schaefer, and they led Central High School to state final four appearances in 1936 and 1937. Then he was the leading scorer in Indiana’s first national championship season in 1939-40 at 8.9 points per game, earning all-Big Ten honors. He scored 10 points in the championship game as IU beat Kansas 60-42. He later helped the Fort Wayne Pistons win a world championship and completed an 11-year career. He also helped the Pistons’ fastpitch softball team win three world championships.