John Dailey (1985) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

John Dailey

Induction:
1985
Class:
1959

1957-59
Wrestling/ Football
‘59
For never having wrestled before coming to the University of Akron, John Daily took to the sport rather quickly, before his collegiate career was over, he earned four letters in wrestling and another three in football. As a heavyweight, Daily went undefeated from 1957-59, ending his career with 31-straight dual victories. He won the 1985 and ’59 Ohio Conference heavyweight titles and led the team to a tie for the conference Championship in 1958. Later in that ’58 seasons Daily advanced to the NCAA College Division quarterfinals before being eliminated. He was the recipient of the 1957, ’58 and ’59 Touchdown Club Trophy as UA’s Most Outstanding Wrestler and the team captain in the 1958 and ’59 season. Daily also was a three-year starter at tackle for the UA football team. He capped off the 1958-59 athletic year by receiving the James Horrigan Trophy as Athlete of the Year. While proving successful as an athlete, Daily excelled in many other areas. He served as Senior Class president, treasurer of the Lone Star Fraternity, and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges for two years. At the same time, Daily was married, the father of a son, and worked nearly full-time. Daily currently practices law in his Akron-based firm.