Harry Van Surdam

September 28, 1881 – Harry “Dutch” Van Surdam was the quarterback of Wesleyan from 1902 through 1905.

According to information from the National Football Foundation’s website, Dutch then transitioned into coaching and led programs at Marietta, Sewanee, and Texas Mines. Van Surdam stayed up on his rule books, too, as exemplified in 1906 when his Marietta team took advantage of the new passing rule to throw a 56-yard pass play against Ohio University. This keen understanding of the rules next led him down the path of officiating football.

Harry became known as the “dean of Eastern officials” as he enforced the rules from 1921 through the 1962 seasons! The National Football Foundation selected Harry Van Surdam for induction into its College Football Hall of Fame in 1972. As gracious a man as he was, he donated the plaque he received for the honor to his alma mater, the high school in Hoosick Falls, New York.