GLORY DAYS: Joe Dudek’s prowess on the field earned him and Plymouth State national attention in the early 1980s.
Legendary Panther running back Joe Dudek ’87 has scores of honors and achievements to his credit. He set New England and national rushing records, most of which still stand today. He finished his college football career with 79 touchdowns—more than any other college football player at any level at the time. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 1985, an unprecedented achievement for a Division III player, and he even shared the cover of the December 2, 1985 issue of Sports Illustrated with Bo Jackson.
In April, Dudek was inducted into the inaugural class of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Hall of Fame, in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in college football. He joins a distinguished 25-person class of former student-athletes—including former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie—coaches, administrators, teams, officials, support staff, and supporters whose achievements span the entire 75-year history of the ECAC.
ENDURING FRIENDSHIP: Longtime athletic director John Clark joined Dudek at the induction ceremony in April. Photo courtesy of ECAC.
“I was honored to be inducted into the ECAC Hall of Fame,” says Dudek, who has gone on to a distinguished career in business, currently serving as vice president and general manager of the Century Division for Southern Wine and Spirits of New England. “To be recognized as part of the inaugural class and to have my name mentioned with great athletes, coaches, and administrators from other sports was something I will never forget. I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, athletic director, family, and friends for all of their support during my time at Plymouth State. My induction into the ECAC Hall of Fame was truly a team effort.”
John Clark ’71, ’73G, who will transition from his long-held post as athletic director to manager of the new Active Living, Learning, and Wellness North Center this fall, was athletic director during Dudek’s glory days as #22 on the Panther football team. The two have stayed in touch since Dudek left PSU. “Joe’s induction brought back some wonderful memories for me of one of the greatest collegiate athletes of all time,” says Clark. “But I’m even more proud of his accomplishments outside of football: launching a successful business career and being a proud and devoted husband to his wife, Jodi, and father to their son, J. D., and daughter, Taylor.” –Barbra Alan
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