Lance Brown helped deliver the first MIAA footballchampionship of the Pete Schmidt era by making a successfultransition from fullback to tailback in time for the 1985 season.Lance led the Britons’ rushing attack with 997yards—517 of those in league games—as Albion posted a4-0-1 record against league rivals and advanced to the NCAADivision III playoffs. He led the league in touchdowns in 1985,scoring eight in league play, and he ended up second in the leaguein all-purpose yards. In league play, he torched Olivet for 161yards and three first-half touchdowns, and Adrian for 133 yards andtwo scores.
Lance continued to roll up gaudy statistics in 1986,rushing for 975 yards and six touchdowns and catching 12 passes for131 yards.
The two-time MIAA All-Conference first-team selection and1985 MIAA most valuable player and honorable mention All-Americanfinished with 2,344 career rushing yards. At the time, he was 103yards shy of the school’s all-time record.
“Lance was blessed with talent, size, and speed, buthis heart and determination were what set him apart,”explained Mike Grant, ’87, one of Lance’s roommates anda member of the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2006. “He ranlike Walter Payton—always looking to get the extra yard,never stepping out of bounds (taking the easy way out), and alwayslooking to deliver the blow. He was never the fastest guy, but hewas reliable and always got the job done.”
A history major at Albion, Lance served as vice presidentof Sigma Nu fraternity and as a member of the InterfraternityCouncil and Lacrosse Club.
Now a district manager for Wyeth Pharma-ceuticals, Lanceresides in Rockford with his wife, Kristi, and son,Jacob.
