EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a six-part series profiling the Crawford County Sports Hall of Fame inductees.
BUCYRUS — Dave Katterhenrich began his athletic career at Bucyrus High School as an athlete who excelled in multiple sports.
He played basketball, football and ran track.
In 1958, Dave set a school record in the mile relay, during the NOL championships. The team was also the NOL titlists in 1958 and 1959, the latter year he set a school record in the discus and was also the league’s shot and discus champion.
Katterhenrich received the Michael MV trophy in basketball during the 1958-59 season.
The 1958 Redmen football team had a 7-2 record and finished the campaign ranked 20th in the state. Dave was the school’s first All-Ohio player after standing out as a fullback and linebacker. He was first-team NOL as a linebacker and the league’s leading rusher and scorer. Dave was Jaycee All-Ohio first team offense and defense and the Toledo Blade/Times All-star team offense and defense. He was also AP and UPI first team linebacker and halfback.
Dave went to The Ohio State University and was a three-year letterwinner in football. He played for legendary coach Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler. In 1959, he received the “’Greatest Desire” award.
Dave was on Buckeye teams that beat Michigan all three years and received three “Golden Pants.” In 1961, he was part of a Big Ten and national championship team.
In 1962, Katterhenrich made the All-Academic Big Ten team. Dave played in the 14th annual Senior Bowl and was the starting fullback for the North team. He was coached by Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys in the game.
After graduating from The Ohio State University, Katterhenrich was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were going to trade Katterhenrich to the New York Titans and Dave decided he could make more money teaching, so he began a career in education that spanned from 1967 through 2011. He taught biology, physical education, health and OWA. He also coached football, basketball, softball, and weightlifting.
Dave wpent 1971 as a graduate assistant under Coach Hayes at OSU. He had many accomplishments as a coach including a first ever victory over Norwalk St. Paul while coaching at South Central. He was Coach of the Year for the SVC league, while coaching at Westfall High School.
Dave is married to Deborah and has three sons and two daughters.
