Winter 2011/2012 - Tiffin University

Hall of FameSportsSceneClassSceneHomecoming weekend kicked off when TU hosted the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner in the Gillmore Student Center.The 2011 Hall or Fame Honorees were (pictured left to right):Dave Reiter, Elizabeth Knackstedt, Ted Wypasek, Diane Sackett, and Brian CampbellDave ReiterIn the early days of Tiffin University football, one name stoodout when it came to tough-as-nails, hard-nosed defense -Dave Reiter.Reiter helped establish the Dragons program, recordingdefensive marks that have endured for over 20 years. Duringhis three-year varsity career, he was a three-time All-District22 selection at linebacker. He is second in career tackles with397 while holding the single season record for assisted tackles.His 1988 team also holds the single season record for leastyards allowed. Dave also ranks third in fumbles caused overhis career.“While I was contemplating college options, Coach BuzzKirkhart approached me with the idea of starting for the firstfootball team in the history of Tiffin University,” Reiter said.“It sounded intriguing and exciting to be a part of somethingnew. Coach Buzz mentioned a few local guys that I knew thatwere considering playing on the first football team and thatmade it more interesting to me”Like most first time college athletes, some challengeswere larger than others.“Time management was my biggest challenge. I wentfrom no job to two full time jobs, academics and athletics. Ithink I did a good job with managing it but, it was definitely achallenge,” Reiter said.As the Dragons built the program in the early years, winswere hard to come by. But certain plays and certain memorieshave lasted to this day.“A couple highlights stand out to me,” Reiter said.“Playing good hard football with a group of people that waslike a big family. We were a tight knit group. Greg Richards,the Chapman brothers, Tony & Mike Agro, Ben & Jon Nutter,Darryl Buckley, Scott Paden, Brian Burns, Dan Tisdale and LoisConrad. I also remember one play when I caught a runningback slipping out of the backfield for a dump pass. He splithis chin open from top to bottom. After going in for halftime,the guy has a chin full of stitches and comes back out andgives us fits the entire second half. I still respect that man.”WINTER 2011 / 12 | CHALLENGE | 59