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.