DAN MCDONALD

Dan McDonald grew up in Saginaw Township where as a 10-year-old he won the state speed skating championship in Alpena. He would go on to Douglas MacArthur High School where he wrestled and played football. The rugged two-way performer was an offensive tackle and defensive end for the Generals. The 6-foot-3, 219-pounder was a three-year starter and was known for delivering ferocious hits. He was named captain his senior season – the same year he earned Class A all-area and all-state honors. McDonald earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa and was a defensive starter for three seasons (1968-70) for the Hawkeyes. During his sophomore year McDonald racked up 31 solo tackles and 26 assists as a defensive end. One year later head coach Ray Nagel moved McDonald to linebacker in an effort to bolster that position. McDonald made a successful adjustment and would go on to record 62 tackles, 27 assists, and one interception from his new strong-side linebacker position. Eleven of those tackles were for losses (-76 yards) and McDonald earned All-Big 10 laurels for his efforts. In his senior season he was named co-captain by his teammates and he dominated play with 43 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, and three tackles for losses (-11). McDonald’s career totals at Iowa include 136 solo tackles and 84 assisted tackles for a combined total of 220, along with 14 career tackles for losses totaling 87 yards. After college McDonald coached at Iowa City’s Regina High School in 1972. In 1974 he was the interior line coach for Iowa State University. McDonald retired after a successful career at General Motors Co., and currently resides in California.