Donald F. Williams (1978) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Donald F. Williams

Induction:
1978
Class:
1968

1963-67

If stellar athletes can be judged by quantity and quality of their nickname, then Don Williams is up there with the best. UA’s 1967 Athlete of the Year, Williams was answering to three monikers—“Big D,” “Captain Stuff,” and “Captain Rook.”

The captain rank fit aptly since he captained the 1965-66 and was a co-captain for the 1966-67 season.

As a freshman, Williams earned a starting berth with Zip cagers which went on to climb into national prominence by finishing national runner-up to Evansville.

It was evident from the beginning that this muscular, spring-legged athlete was bound for stardom. What he lacked in ability he made up in 100 percent hustle. It was this competitive talent that stood out all four years.

“Big Don” was more than a hardwood player; he excelled on the cinders and in sawdust as well. Out for track in the spring of 1964 he again showed his worth by establishing a new school mark 46 ‘8 ½ “ in the triple jump—breaking Hall of Famer Bill Heidman’s previous standard by over three feet.

Over the next three campaigns, Williams displayed improvement in both sports. This was especially evident In basketball as Akron captured Ohio Conference crowns and Mideast Regional titles in 1965 and 1966 and went on to finish third in the nation the latter year.

In track, UA captured 32 of 37 meets during his four-year career—capturing the Ohio Conference Championship in 1965 and 1966.

In his senior year, Williams closed out his UA career in excellent fashion. As a cager, he led the Zips in scoring with 450 points and with 315 rebounds. Needless to say, he was voted the most valuable player award. And in track he produced his career high number of points, 70 ¼. Williams’ basketball totals were 1,445 points, 1,218 rebounds, a school record .488 career field goal shooting percentage, and participation in 107 basketball games—more than any other UA cager. The Zips’ record during that span was 89 wins and 23 losses.

After college, Williams ironically was drafted, not into professional basketball, but by the Cleveland Browns where he was tried at the flanker position. He made it till the final cut—showing excellence pass catching ability.