James P. VanWagner
Inducted
October 29, 1988
Currently third all-time in NCAA Division II rushing, Jim
VanWagner was truly one of the greatest backs ever to play football
for Michigan Tech.
He holds many MTU records, including yards rushing in a game
(286), yards rushing in a season (1,453), and yards rushing in a
career (4,788) to name a few.
In 1976, his senior year, he gained numberous awards, including
All-America, Academic All-America, the Glen Galligan Award,
recognizing him as the Northern Intercollegiate Conference's
Outstanding Senior Athlete, the Football Roudup Exemplary Player
Award, recognizing him at the outstanding football player in the
nation (Division II and III), team Most Valuable Player, and the
Michigan Tech Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award.
VanWagner still holds several NIC records and was a three-time
All-NIC first team selection for his efforts.
Following graduation, he went on to play two season for the New
Orleans Saints of the National Football League, then returned to
MTU as an assistant football coach and head track coach for two
years (1980-82).
Since that time VanWagner has pursued medicine, spending four
years at the Medical School at Michigan State College of Ostepathic
Medicine before beginning work as a physician.
VanWagner has continued his interest in Michigan Tech, working
as a fundraiser to help save the MTU football program, and he is
also active in Traverse City, Michigan raising money for public
television and lending his medical abilties at various athletic
events.
