Wayne State University Athletics

T. Richard (Dick) Brown was a three-year varsity football letterwinner (1950-51-52) for coach Louis Zarza at Wayne State after receiving a freshman award in 1949. Brown was a standout on both sides of the ball. In his sophomore season, Brown finished fourth on the team in minutes played (310) and led the squad to wins over South Dakota and Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan). Four of his 22 completions went for touchdowns. He also had two interceptions and four kickoff returns for 96 yards. The following year (1951), he led Wayne State to five consecutive victories. His lone rushing touchdown came on a one-yard run against Case Tech. Brown completed 46 of 93 passes for 556 yards and six touchdowns including a touchdown pass in four straight contests. As a senior captain in 1952, he finished second on the team in minutes played (230) and guided the Tartars to wins in his final three games. Brown earned team Most Valuable Player honors after completing 63 of 126 passes for 800 yards and 14 touchdowns. He tossed at least one touchdown pass in six of Wayne State's eight games. Brown also made seven extra-point kick attempts. His 24 career touchdown passes was a school record that stood for 41 years, while his 108.48 quarterback rating is still sixth all-time at WSU and was the best mark when he graduated. Upon completion of his collegiate career, he held the school record for most pass attempts in a season (126, 1952) and career (302), most completions in a season (63, 1952) and career (131). He also earned one letter in basketball (1952-53) playing in 18 of 20 games scoring 33 points and grabbing 35 rebounds as Wayne State compiled a 14-6 record. In between stints as an assistant football coach in 1953 and 1956, he spent time in France on military service. The New Kensington, Pa., native graduated from WSU's College of Education in 1954. Brown returned to New Kensinton in 1956 and spent 35 years in the public school system as a teacher, football coach, then director of athletics, and retired as a central office administrator. He currently splits his time between Pennsylvania and Florida. He resides in New Kensington, Pa., with his wife Janice. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren. Both of his sons played collegiate football, one at the Coast Guard Academy and the other at VMI.