W. David Adams
BW Class of 1961 | Induction Class of 1973
W. David Adams ’61 accomplished the rare feat of serving as team captain for three sports during his senior year. The efforts of the football, wrestling and track standout led to him being named BW’s Outstanding Athlete of the Year.
Adams was the leading rusher for the Yellow Jacket football team and held the one-time school-record for yards in a season with 842 in 1960. His yardage mark broke the record previously held by his coach, the legendary Lee Tressel. During his career, Adams was honored as the Most Valuable Yellow Jacket football player and the best player in the Cleveland District in addition to being named UPI All-Ohio at halfback. As a wrestler, Adams posted a winning record for his career and as a sprinter on the track team, he often broke the 10-second mark.
In addition to his exploits on the playing field, he was President of his senior class, a member and president of the Omicron Delta Kappa Men’s Leadership Honorary, and was treasurer of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
After graduation, Adams earned a tryout with the Ottawa franchise of the Canadian Football League before embarking on a successful career with the Dow Chemical Company.