Year Inducted: 1975 (p)
Nominated By: N/A
Sports Competed In: Football
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Athlete
Dennis Hagaman
High School:
Attended Pueblo Central H.S., graduating in 1962.
Achievements:
High School:
● Played on the Wildcats 1961 State Championship football team as a back.
● Named to the All-State second team.
● Scored 61 points during his career (10 touchdowns and one point after touchdown).
College:
Went to Abilene Christian College, Abilene, TX.
Achievements:
College:
● Played back on the Wildcats football team.
● Nicknamed "Dennis the Menace".
Most notable exploits were:
● 98-yard run from scrimmage against Arlington State (broke ACC school record).
● 93-yard kickoff return against north Texas State (broke ACC school record).
● 79-yard punt return against Lamar Tech.
● Averaged 6.2 yards rushing, had a 35.6 average on kickoff returns and a 17.4 mean on punt returns.
● Rushed for 175 yards in 12 carries in the Arlington State game.
● An “all-the-way” threat every time he touches the ball.
● Had the speed of a sprinter (he’s done the 100 in 9.7), is strong for his size and has all the moves of a great runner.
● Started the season in 1963 as a wingback but an injury to the No. 1 tailback Owen Morrison forced Coach Wheeler to move his to the running back slot.
● The switch must surely go down as one of Wheeler's best moves.
● Honorable mention Little All-American and also gained mention on the Mid-Bracket All-American team.
● Named to the All-Texas College by The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Longest Runs from Scrimmage:
#1. 98 yd (TD) Dennis Hagaman vs. North Texas State, 1963.
#2. 94 yd (TD) Jimmy Hirth vs. McMurry, 1957.
Longest Punt Returns:
#1. 92 yd (TD) Leondous Fry vs. Arkansas State, 1954.
#2. 91 yd (TD) Von Morgan vs. Youngtown, 1954.
#3. 79 yd (TD) Dennis Hagaman vs. Lamar Tech, 1963.
Longest Kickoff Returns:
#1. 93 yd (TD) Dennis Hagaman vs. North Texas State, 1963.
#2. 91 yd (TD) Thayne McKnight vs. McMurry, 1961.
Quotes:
“Dennis’ greatest asset is his poise,” says Wheeler. "The ability to react under pressure. This, accompanied by his speed and different moves, make him an exceptional back."
-- Abilene Christian College Head Football Coach Wheeler
Personal:
Died while in college.
