Dave Ladner was a two-year varsity starter in baseball and football after transferring from the University of Oklahoma. He graduated in 1969, after a stellar athletic career.
Dave was twice named MVP for the baseball team as a standout centerfielder. While statistics from this era are incomplete, what we do know speaks for itself. He batted over .470 for his career and was a two-time All-Midwest Conference South Division selection. Dave slugged .800 his senior season with six doubles, three home-runs, and at least five stolen bases.
On the football field, his teammates remember him as the ultimate team player and an excellent leader. He was the starting fullback and linebacker and led the team in most offensive categories. During his junior season, he ran for 316 yards and five touchdowns, caught nine passes for 55 yards, and grabbed two interceptions. He added 265 yards rushing and two touchdowns in his senior season.
Former football teammate Topper Steinman ’70 believes players like Dave helped pave the way for the turnaround success of Knox football in the 1970s. “In my estimation, he was the best athlete on campus during this time period. His never-say-die attitude during some very trying Knox football days was exemplary.”
Another former teammate, Dennis Farrell ’71, recounted the impact Dave had beyond his playing days. “My sophomore year, David’s senior year, our team was decimated by injuries. That team did not win a game that year. It was an incredibly disappointing year, and a couple of guys ended up quitting before the season ended. But there was no quitting for David Ladner. It did not matter if it was the first play of the game or the last, David played hard all the time. Our sophomores and juniors learned a wonderful lesson that year: Never give up! Our senior season, we had a winning season of six wins and three losses. Our football team had developed a winning attitude over the previous two years because of people like David Ladner.”
Harley Knosher remarked that Dave was without question one of the best two-sport athletes he has seen at Knox. “In football, he was outstanding on both offense and defense, and, in baseball, he was clearly one of the top players in the conference. He played both sports with great competitive heart, despite the fact that the teams here did not have the success to which he was accustomed.”
Dave went on to have a successful career in the military and business. He is now the vice president for Wilson and Company.
