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Ben Ticknor

Center

Inducted 1954

Date of Birth

1/8/1909

Birthplace

Canton, MA

School

Harvard University (1928-1930)

Bio

They were not the glory days for Harvard when Ben Ticknor was in the center of the Crimson line. But despite team adversity, Ticknor gained individual acclaim and etched his name in Harvard football history as its "Great Defender." The 193-pound center was a defensive standout, blending rare quickness and agility with the ability to diagnose enemy offenses which resulted in All-America selections in both 1929 and 1930. He took great pride in beating arch rival Yale in each of his three varsity years, and even greater satisfaction in knowing the Bulldogs were able to score but one touchdown against his Crimson during that period. Still, success eluded Harvard through those three campaigns as the Crimson posted a combined record of 14-8-3.