Grinnell College Athletics

Dave Dunlop '51, because of his size and skill, was an imposing figure on both the basketball court and the football field.  At 6-3 and 225 pounds, Dunlop accumulated credentials that speak for themselves. On the gridiron he was a first-team all-conference tackle in his senior season and also placed in the league wrestling meet. In basketball, big Dave became the Pioneers' leading scorer for three seasons despite very limited high school experience. In both junior and senior years he was an all-conference first-teamer and as a senior was an honorable-mention Colliers All-America selection. His Grinnell records of 43 points in a game, 441 in a season, and 1,054 in a career, set before four-year eligibility and three-point shots, stood for 15 years and still rank near the top. Dave recalls a 77-75 loss to national power Beloit as the best and most exciting episode of his Pioneer career. Coach John Pfitsch recalls the game as "the best ever played in Darby Gym." Continuing to play in the service, Dunlop was invited to the New York Knicks tryout camp in 1955, but declined. In later years he excelled in golf, winning the Mankato, Minn., city seniors championship twice. Dave owned and operated Dunlop Meat Products, a family business in Mankato, before retiring in 1985.