Albion’s football team featured an outstandingdefense, dubbed “the wrecking crew,” as the Britonssurged to the 1976 MIAA title with a 5-0 record. The individuals onthat defense have been honored in recent years, and now Dave Abbotttakes his place alongside Fred Cromie, Jim Haskins, and Rick Otisin the Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Dave was a good cover guy,” Otis, a 2005inductee, said. “He worked hard and was someone we all couldcount on to cover his assignments. Our defense was an excellentsquad that loved to play the game and excelled atwinning.”
A four-year starter for the Britons, Dave had a reputationas a hard hitter who took the ball away from the opponents. Thosetraits helped him achieve MIAA All-Conference status in 1976. Heled the MIAA in interceptions in 1975 and 1976, and he tied withCromie as the league leader in fumble recoveries in 1976.Albion’s defense led the nation in total defense and pointsallowed, ranked second in rushing defense, and fifth in passingdefense in 1976.
Off the gridiron, Dave was a member of Alpha Tau Omegafraternity and the lacrosse club. He enjoyed a stellar lacrossecareer, earning a pair of most valuable midfielder awards, leadingthe team in scoring in 1976, and serving as one of the captains andas player-coach in 1977.
Dave has remained active in lacrosse since graduating,holding certification as an official at the high school andcollegiate levels and earning the Southern California Lacrosse HighSchool Coach of the Year award in 2004.
Dave served in the Marine Corps for 22 years, retiringwith the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1999. He currently serves asthe regional vice president for an event technology company in LongBeach, Calif. Dave and his wife, Sally, have two sons, Joshua andJacob, and a daughter, Jessica.
