Mark Van Horn (1988) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Mark Van Horn

Induction:
1988
Class:
1977

1973-76
Football
Offensive Lineman
‘77

Offensive lineman are the unsung heroes on any football team, for the most part they go about the job at hand without much fanfare or notice. However, occasionally, people do take account of the effort those linemen expend, and Mark Van Horn just happens to be one of those few. He joins the ranks of other Hall of Fame lineman such as Andy Maluke, Earl Hensal, Dave Adolph and Tony Butowicz. Van horn was another player recruited by Jim Dennison in his first season (1973) as head coach. A 6-3, 235-pound offensive guard from Doylestown, Van Horn eanred the starting left guard spot in 1974 and never surrendered it for three campaigns during which UA put together seasons of 5-5, 7-4, and 10-3, respectively. UA’s 10-3 mark and national runner-up spot in the NCAA OO in 1976 brought Van Horn national limelight that few attain in playing a career. His outstanding line play helped him become the first UA player to be named first team All-America by the Associated Press. In addition, Van Horn was voted as the team’s Most Outstanding Senior after earlier voting him in as tri-captain of the most successful team in UA’s history.