Hall of Fame
Dennis Armstrong was an outstanding offensive and defensive lineman for the Kohawks over a three-year span in which they recorded a 17-4-2 record that culminated in a Midwest Conference Championship, an undefeated season, a number three national ranking and a brief flirtation with the Tangerine Bowl. As a sophomore, Denny was part of a team that went 5-1-1 despite the two broken ribs he suffered in a 40-14 victory over Cornell. After a season-opening 52-0 win over Grinnell in 1954, the Kohawks lost three straight before Head Coach Dick Clausen moved him from tackle to center. Coe never lost again and Clausen cited Denny as a major factor in Coe's recovery to a 4-3-1 record. It got even better in 1955 when the Kohawks went undefeated en route to the conference title and national recognition. I was the conference rushing leader that season in large part because of the holes Denny opened for me. Defensively, he was credited for leading a line that dropped Ripon's highly touted quarterback "Pistol Pete" Mattiacci for several losses in a 34-14 Coe victory. Denny was a first-team all-conference performer that season and deservedly so. That team allowed no more than two touchdowns in any game while scoring at least 28 points in every game. The Kohawks received a "feeler" from the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla., but the conference quickly vetoed the idea of a small college playing in a major college bowl game. Encouraged by coach Marv Levy to run the mile relay to keep in shape in the off-season, Denny was also a two-year letterman in track and participated in wrestling one season. In 1971, while living in Gainesville, Fla., Denny helped set a world record in the 480-yard shuttle hurdle. He didn't run, of course, but like any lineman worth his salt, he kept the stars out of harm's way. Denny allowed five Michigan State runners in town for the relays to pitch a tent in his backyard. The athletes went on to tie the world record of 56.7 seconds and gratefully presented Denny with their first-place trophy. No matter what the circumstance, you've always been able to count on Denny. For his outstanding contributions to athletics, I am honored to present Dennis Armstrong as a Coe College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Oct. 29,
