University of Northwestern Athletics

Football 1988-'91, Track 1989-'91

If leaders are judged by the number of followers, David LaDay had no peers.  For four seasons he had teammates and opponents running after him as he sprinted from end zone to end zone.  For his career, David scored 30 touchdowns and amassed 3695 yards in rushing, second in school history, averaging 102 yards per game.  His best effort came against NW-Wisconsin, whom he punished with 244 yards and 4 TDs, including one covering 95 yards.  Quiet but strong, “Laddy” was content to let his hard-running feet and determined attitude do his yelling.  His hard work led the Eagles to the UMAC championship in 1990 and earned him three all-conference honors.  The speedy running back also excelled as a sprinter and captain in track, three times running in the NCCAA nationals.

After hanging up his cleats, David’s focus switched from outrunning opponents to racing after kids with the love of Christ as a school teacher, at-risk counselor, coach, and church youth group sponsor.  An active alum, David boosted Northwestern’s ministries serving on the Alumni Council and the Intercultural Task Force.