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Bennie Oosterbaan

End

Inducted 1954

Date of Birth

2/24/1906

Birthplace

Muskegon, MI

School

University of Michigan (1925-1927)

Bio

Benjamin G. "Bennie" Oosterbaan became a freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1924, and that was his hometown the rest of his life. He was at the university as a student, as assistant football coach 1928-47, head basketball coach 1938-46, head football coach 1948-58, and director of alumni relations 1959-72. As football player, he was All-America end three times 1925-27, captain and Most Valuable Player in 1927. The Football Writers Association named him to its all-time All-America modern team in 1974. In 1925, he led all Big Ten football players in scoring; he had eight touchdowns. In 1926, his 60-yard run with a recovered fumble helped Michigan to a 7-6 victory over Minnesota. He lettered three years in basketball and in 1928, led the Big Ten in scoring with 129 points in 12 games. He lettered three years in baseball and in 1928, led the Big Ten in batting. In 1928, he received Michigan's Big Ten medal, awarded annually for excellence in scholarship and athletics. His record as head football coach was 63-33-4. His 1948 team was undefeated national champion, and he was named National Coach of the Year.