Voices of the Hollow is an audio podcasting series that highlights some of the people and places that
define Wittenberg University.
Dave Maurer, Emeritus Professor, Director of Athletics and Coach
Jan. 24, 2008
Wittenberg coaching legend Dave Maurer still has "it."
He may have retired years ago, but make no mistake, Maurer continues to embody the spirit and intensity of a 20-year-old Tiger student-athlete competing for a national championship. The 1987 Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor inductee simply lights up a room, captivating visitors with stories about his years as a member of the Tiger athletics family.
Maurer coached track, swimming and golf at various points during his Wittenberg career, in addition to his well-known exploits on the gridiron sidelines. He also served as the university's director of men's athletics and was a professor of health and physical education. Like many other Wittenberg coaches of his era, Maurer did it all.
Clearly, he did it well. After more than a decade as an assistant football coach at Wittenberg, Maurer took the reins in 1969 from National College of Football Hall of Famer Bill Edwards, his mentor. By the time he stepped down after the 1983 season, Maurer was well on his way to induction in the prestigious hall as well. He posted a record of 129-23-3, good for an astounding .842 winning percentage, best among active coaches at that time. Along the way, Maurer directed three teams to national championships (and was an assistant coach for two other national titlists) and two teams to NCAA Division III Tournament runner-up finishes. The Tigers went undefeated three times and won seven Ohio Athletic Conference championships in his 15 years as head coach.
Maurer probably could have talked about his 50-plus years as a Wittenberg Tiger for hours, but hopefully this 12-minute excerpt of the interview will suffice for Wittenberg fans. If not, the complete 18-minute version of the interview can be obtained from Wittenberg's Office of University Communications. Contact Ryan Maurer, director of news services and sports information, to request a copy.
Written by Ryan Maurer
Audio by John Strawn
Photo by Robert Gantt
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