University of Michigan Hall of Honor
Bennie Oosterbaan
- Induction:
- 1978
- Class:
- 1927
As a Wolverine athlete, Benjamin Gaylord Oosterbaan was an icon of greatness and dedication. Three times an All-American in football, twice an All-American in basketball and twice an All-Conference player in baseball, Oosterbaan was Michigan's greatest all-time all-around performer. He was a key member of six different teams that won Big Ten titles. As an end on the football team in 1925, Bennie led the Big Ten in touchdowns. In 1928 as a basketball player, Oosterbaan led the Big Ten in scoring, then turned his attention to baseball, where he finished as the conference's leading hitter. Offered professional contracts in both baseball and football, Oosterbaan turned them down to stay at Michigan. He served as an assistant football coach for 20 years, and, from 1939-46, was head coach of the Wolverine cagers. When Fritz Crisler stepped down in 1947, Bennie was named U-M's head football coach. In his first season, the '48 Michigan football team went 9-0, won the Big Ten and claimed the national championship. Oosterbaan became the only coach in NCAA football history to win the national championship his first year. In 11 years as football coach, he recorded a record of 63-33-4, including a victory in the 1951 Rose Bowl. His teams won three conference titles and finished in the top 20 in the polls seven times. Oosterbaan is enshrined in the National Football Hall of Fame, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and U-M's Hall of Honor. His number 47 was the first Wolverine football jersey retired.
Football Postgame Report: Wisconsin
Saturday, October 04
Postgame Press Conference: Sherrone Moore (vs. Wisconsin)
Saturday, October 04
Football Postgame Press Conference: Players (vs. Wisconsin)
Saturday, October 04
Football Highlights vs. Wisconsin (Oct. 4)
Saturday, October 04
