Dan McBride
There was a time in football before “specialization” deemed you either played offense and defense, and squads weren’t so large when gridmen played both ways. Dan loved it that way and excelled at both. At Ashland High School he played on an undefeated team as a junior and capped his scholastic career as co-captain in 1953. He was named Best Offensive Lineman of ’53, Best Defensive Lineman of ’53, the Times-Gazette Outstanding Player in the County, and received Honorable Mention on the International News Service All-Ohio Team.
Dan excelled also in high school basketball. A three-year “lefty” letterman, he batted over .300 each year, playing first baseball and as a pitcher.
Entering Ashland College in 1954, a “beefed up” McBride helped to start the glory years of new coach Bob Brownson and his “40 Hungry Hounds.” His freshman year saw a complete turnaround from the previous season’s 1-7 record to an undefeated season. One of Dan’s greatest thrills was to be named co-captain in his first collegiate football game. He served as co-captain all four years of his college career. A defensive linebacker and offensive guard, his speed also placed him on the punt return team, sometimes as a return man. His leadership, spirit, and determination earned him the sobriquet “mad Dog.”
McBride was named to the Williamson All-American outfit in 1955 and the Associated Press All-American team in 1957. Throw in two All-State Honors, three All-League accolades, and two Mid-Ohio Lineman of the Year honors, and you have an outstanding career. In 1971, Dan was named to the Ashland College Football Dream Team, years 1920-70. In 1972, he was inducted into the AC’s All-Sports Hall of Fame as its eleventh member.
McBride retired after 32 years of teaching in the Mansfield High School system. He coached football two years, served as a class advisor, student council advisor, was a yearbook dedicatee and was selected as Outstanding Teacher by the students. He also served as an officer in the Mansfield Teachers Association. Still residing in Mansfield, Dan’s family consists of wife Barb and children David, Mark, and Michael. While not playing golf, he works part time for an electrical contractor.
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