University of Michigan Hall of Honor
Don Dufek Sr.
- Induction:
- 2006
Don Dufek Sr. came to the University of Michigan from St. George High School in Evanston, Illinois, and was the first of the Dufek family to make his mark as a Wolverine student-athlete. In 1950, Dufek Sr. broke through and enjoyed an outstanding season for the Wolverines. The gritty fullback was named All-Big Ten and team MVP. During his career, he rushed for 1,094 yards and became the first U-M player in school history to break the 1,000-yard mark. In the 1951 Rose Bowl, he scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes of the game to lead the Wolverines to a 14-6 upset win over the previously undefeated University of California. Those two scores along with his 113 yards rushing earned him MVP honors in the game. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft. He was an assistant U-M football coach from 1954 until 1965. Later he served as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Grand Valley State (1972-76) and Kent State (1976-80). His sons Don Jr. and Bill both played for U-M football, while his son Joe played for Yale. His grandson Mike Dufek made it three generations of athletes at U-M, playing baseball for the Wolverines.
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Friday, October 03
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Volleyball Highlights vs. Minnesota (Oct. 1)
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