Franklin College

When Bill Slayback brought the ball up-court with his distinctive high dribble, Grizzly fan knew that he planned to shoot. From what is now three-point land, Bill’s two-handed set shot was deadly.

Four varsity seasons, highlighted by his All Hoosier Conference selection in 1959 and 1960, plus All-American selecting in 1960, provide Bill’s credentials.

Scoring records for a season were established in 1959 and reset in 1960. A single game record 44 points vs. Georgetown College in 1960 helped Bill to become the State Scoring Champion in 1960. Bill’s four-year point average is 21.8. In 1960, his teammates elected him their Most Valuable Player.

Through Franklin’s sport identification was not centered in baseball, Bill earned three letters and is remember for his towering home runs. Detailed records are sketchy but they do indicate that he was named All Conference in 1958, 1959, and 1960.

After graduation, Bill began a 20-year coaching career in basketball that produced nine sectional, one regional and five conference titles, plus advancing to the final eight in Indiana in 1977. His record reads 258 wins, 159 losses for a very credible 60 percent.

He has completed eleven years as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at South Dearborn High School.
 

When this Shelbyville native enrolled at Franklin College in 1961, no one could have predicted the influence and impact “Butch” would make on the athletic program.

Playing an inside linebacker position on the football team gave opportunity for him to develop his skills and assume a leadership role. As a senior in 1964, “Butch” was selected to be a Co-Captain and earned All-Hoosier Conference and All NAIA District 21 honors.

After graduation, he became a teacher/ coach at Greenwood High School. His basic responsibility in football was defense and Greenwood became a power in their league. “Butch” also applied his teaching/coaching skills to the wrestling program.

In 1970, Franklin College prevailed upon “Butch” to return to his alma mater as an Assistant Football Coach and Head Wrestling Coach. He developed many outstanding linemen during his six year tenure and proved to be an innovator in offensive line play. Franklin’s record of success reflects his coaching genius.

The Franklin wrestling program vaulted to prominence under the Coach’s tutelage. In the six-year period “Butch” led the team, they compiled an outstanding 164-38-2 record. Among the teams on the Franklin schedule were Purdue, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Western Michigan, and Wabash. Many of his athletes earned State, District and National Honors.

In 1976, “Butch” entered business and left coaching profession. In 1985, he was coaxed back to coach on a part-time basis. The offensive line responded to his special treatment and claimed much credit for an improved team record.

“Butch” has coached his two sons, who play for the Grizzlies.

This year he returned to teaching at Greenwood High School in their English department, ran his business and coached football at Franklin College.
 

A long line of student/athletes followed Terry Hoeppner to Franklin College from Woodland High School. His successes began immediately as he became a starter on the football team as a defensive back.

Terry’s size and speed were big assets to his performance as well as his fierce competitive spirit. He captained the Grizzlies in 1967 and 1968 and earned All Hoosier Conference selection in 1966, 1967 and 1968. He was named to the NAIA Honorable Mention All American list in 1967.

When track season arrived, Terry exchanged his football gear for track spikes and utilized his skill and speed in his favored high hurdles. He is still the record holder at 14.5 seconds in the highs.

Terry could also be counted upon to score in other events, including the 440 hurdles, the 100 yard dash and then run on the 440 relay team. His efforts earned selection to the All H.C.C. track team in both 1967 and 1968.

To cap his senior year, Terry was selected as the Wil B. Nelp Trophy recipient.

Upon graduation, he was signed by the St. Louis Carolina high schools before returning to Franklin College for a six-year stay as Defensive Coordinator in football and Head Track Coach.
 

When he arrived at Franklin College, Phil was not highly touted high school football player. His team had not won a game in his senior year. Phil was a talented athlete and quickly earned a starting position as a defensive cornerback, not a quarterback.

Prior to the Homecoming game versus Indiana Central in 1969, a decision was made to move the freshman to the quarterback position. He responded with four touchdown passes and ran for another touchdown. His career was launched.

When Phil was graduated, he had established all passing and total offense records, led the team to a Mineral Water Bowl win versus Wayne State of Nebraska win in 1970 and a NAIA Playoff in 1972.

His career statistics credit him with a .539% completion of 915 attempts for 6,571 yards for 59 touchdowns. He added 13 more touchdowns by running. His credentials also note that he was nationally ranked in the NAIA in 1970, 1971, and 1972 in pass offense and total offense. He was selected NAIA All District and Honorable Mention All American in both 1970 and 1972.

The Most Valuable Player award went to Phil in 1972 and Franklin College retired #20 jersey- a first in College history.

Baseball was another sport at which Phil excelled. He earned four more varsity letters as a starting catcher. In 1972 and 1973, he was the Outstanding Hitter on the team and added another MVP award his senior year.

Graduating with a 3.55 grade average in Business Administration, Phil now heads Allied Technologies, Inc. with headquarters in Greenwood, Indiana.
 

Many Grizzly fans would be quick to name Ronnie as one of the most exciting football players to ever wear the Blue and Gold. Whenever he touched the ball the opponent was in trouble.

As a freshman, Ron was the back-up at fullback but number one punt and kickoff return man. His 94 yard record kickoff return for a touchdown, plus two additional scores in the same game, gave promise for the future.

His sophomore year consisted of two games ending with a broken leg. Despite a pass-oriented offense, Ron’s rushes topped the 1000 plus yards in both his junior and senior years. He rushed for 17 touchdowns as a senior, added three more as a pass receiver and kicked a point after touchdown to become the Franklin College record holder and the 1973 State Scoring Champion with 123 points.

On one Saturday in 1973, Ron ran the ball 33 times for an amazing 327 yards. His career total of 484 rushes and an average gain of 5.57 yards per attempt are records.

We summarize Ronnie’s abbreviated career during which he amassed a grand total of 4718 yards. As a senior, he was voted Most Valuable Player, selected to NAIA District 21 team and named as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.

Franklin College retired Ronald Doyle’s #34 jersey in 1973.

Ron is an employee of Northwest Airlines in customer relations, sales and marketing. He has worked in Miami, Minneapolis, Detroit and presently Memphis.

He is active in United Way, Big Brother Program, and the Red Cross in Memphis.
 

Usually and athlete excels in one sport and many find satisfaction in another but seldom does an athlete reach the “heights” in two posts as Dave Lyon did from 1972 through 1975.

In football, he started for four years, either on offense or defense, and sometimes both. Dave was quick, strong and very determined. It was not necessary to get him “up” for a contest because he was already ready.

Statistics are not readily available for offensive and defensive linemen, but his peers elected him as the Outstanding Offensive Linemen, and Most Valuable player in 1974. The NAIA District 21 listed him on their team in 1972, 1973, and 1974. In 1975, Dave signed as a “free agent” with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The javelin occupied Dave in the spring as he earned four more letters. Dave relates that, “I was fortunate to have been taught to throw by two of the finest coaches available. One coach came to our track program from somebody’s library and the other was John Chiarotti. He walked me through the steps with the book in his hand.

In competition, Dave placed first 27 times; second- three times; third-once; and fifth in the NAIA National Meet in 1975.

Dave won the Little State and NAIA District 21 three times. He established Little State, NAIA District and Franklin College records. His personal best was 219’9 in the Little State Meet.

He added another Most Valuable Player award in 1974 and All-American by virtue of his performance in 1975.

Between his senior football season and before track got under way, Dave joined the varsity wrestling team as a heavyweight. He performed capably and won the Franklin Invitational. This varsity letter brought his total to nine.

Dave’s career record was compiled by an athlete who received no scholarship to play.

He is presently Plant Manufacturing Superintendent for Kawneer Company of Franklin.
 

The product of a wrestling family, Arnold  E. “Arnie” Brown came to Franklin College from Warren Central High in Indianapolis. In 1972, his freshman season, Arnie won the first of three Little State Championships. His other Little State crowns came in 1973 and 1975.

Arnie earned medal-upon-medal in his four years as a varsity performer, winning top honors in virtually every tournament he entered. He also established the College’s wrestling record for career victories with 75. Those wins came against competition which included Ohio State, Purdue, Kentucky and Western Michigan.

His impact on the College’s wrestling program, however, went far beyond match wins. As a student, Arnie completed a rigorous pre-valuable Wrestler in 1975; he also received the Mental Attitude Award in 1973 and again in 1975.

“Arnie” is now Dr. Arnold E. Brown, a practicing physician in Indianapolis.
 

Being named as a three time NAIN All-American defensive halfback sets Brad apart from most athletes. His four letters and honors recognize his worth to the team. He was ranked the number one athlete in NAIA District 21, as a junior and second to his teammate as a senior.

Brad recorded a 97 yard kickoff return, nine interceptions in a season, and 25 career interceptions to highlight his play. His 1977, 25.9 yard average on kickoff returns was a Franklin College record, plus a 34 yard average gain on twelve receptions on offense.

The four letters in football duplicated in track, where Brad also starred. He was Franklin’s Captain in 1976 and MVP in 1975, 1977 and 1978. NAIA District 21 named him to the All District Team in 1976, 1977 and 1978.

Brad’s forte was speed and he was lead-off man in school record time in the 400 meter relay and the 880 yard relay. He is a co-record holder for two sprints; 100 yard in 9.9 seconds, and 220 yards in 22.2 seconds. Brad’s 22 feet, 10 ¼ inches is still the record for the long jump.

In the 1977 NAIA, District 21 meet, Brad won the 100 and 220 yard dashes, long jump and led the 440 relay to another win. This accounted for 40 of Franklin’s 58 points and 3rd place finish in a field of 15 teams.

Brad was selected in his senior year for the Wil B. Nelp Trophy Athletics inducted Brad Crawford into their Hall of Fame as a football participant.

Following his graduation from the Indiana University Dental School, Dr. Crawford began his practice in Winamac, Indiana.
 

As the most prolific scorer in Franklin College football history, Joe was also a clutch player. He was not fast or overpowering but he could find the goal line. This four-year letterman was the State’s leading scorer in 1975 and again in 1977. His 102 points in 1977 resulted in a tie for second in the NAIA National scoring race.

All District 21 and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American honors plus team Mental Attitude and Co-Most Valuable Player awards were his in 1977.

Joe’s career stats are impressive with 424 rushes, combined with 145 pass receptions, resulting in a total offense of 3078 yards, 46 touchdowns and 282 points- all Franklin College records.

Four more varsity letters were earned as a member of the Track squad. He was a member of the College record setting 400 meter relay team that won the Little State event three consecutive years.

After graduation, he played four years of semi pro football in Indianapolis. As a member of the Bears, he was League Rookie of the year in 1980 and All League in 1981. In 1982 and 1983, Joe served as an assistant Football Coach at his high school alma mater, Cathedral of Indianapolis.

Since 1980, Joe has been employed by Farm Bureau Insurance in Indianapolis.
 

Eight varsity letters, divided between football and track, mark this inductee’s record and Hall of Fame credentials.

Dana got his chance to play as a freshman when the starting senior quarterback was injured. This was the beginning of a brilliant, 33 game career. Dana amassed statistics each game that kept record-keepers busy. For a career, he completed 55% of 1108 passes for more than four miles of yardage and 66 touchdown passes. For good measure, he rushed for twelve more touchdowns.

Being nationally ranked for three years in total offense and pass offense, led to his selection to the All District Team each year and as a 2nd Team NAIA All-Americana as a senior in 1977. He was also elected CO-MVP in 1977.

Dana was a master of “Run and Shoot” offensive football, capable of exploiting the defense. His understanding of technical football made this quarterback even more valuable than usual. Dana epitomized the ideal of a quarterback.

Springtime found Dana earning four more letters as a trackman. He could be counted upon to score points for Franklin in the High jump, triple jump and long jumps.

Dana was signed by the Baltimore Colts in 1978 and has a tryout with Edmonton Oilers in 1979.

During the 1978 football season, he served as a graduate assistant at Franklin College and is credited with the rapid progress of the quarterbacks he directed. He continued as an assistant coach and served in the Admissions Office as a Counselor in 1979 and 1980.

Dana is now National Sales Manager for Nor-Cote Chemical Company of Crawfordsville, Indiana, a maker and distributor of screen printing ink.