Duncan M. Beagle, '70
Described by his coach Morley Fraser as a “team player and outstanding man,” Duncan was co-captain and co-Most Valuable Player during his senior year. Duncan capped his Albion career in a brilliant fashion, pitching a no hitter against Hope and consecutive one hitters against Michigan State and Olivet. The 3-1 victory Duncan recorded against Michigan State was the first for an Albion baseball team in 53 years.
After graduation, Duncan earned his law degree from the University of Detroit in 1974. He currently serves as Circuit Judge for Genessee County, a position he has held since 1991. Duncan is active in the Flint community with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and many other youth organizations. Duncan resides in Flint, Michigan with his wife Dana and his son Devan.
Addison Brink Jr., '56
An outstanding athlete, Addison lettered in football and baseball. Named to the All-MIAA baseball team in 1956, Addison stood out on the football field as well. He co-captained the football team and was named Most Valuable Player and All-MIAA in 1955. Following graduation, Addison was drafted and signed by the Washington Redskins.
Addison worked at General Motors Parts and Distribution from 1959-1980 and served as warehouse manager from 1966-1980. Addison was active with the United Way serving as chair of the Pontiac and North Oakland County General Campaign. Addison passed away May 13, 1980. He is survived by his wife Barbara and three children.
B. Craig Cossey, '70
A three sport athlete at Albion, Craig participated in football, wrestling, and track winning a total of eleven letters. He was an All-MIAA football player in 1969 when Albion won the league championship, co-captain of the wrestling team in 1969 and 1970, Most Valuable Wrestler in 1968 and 1969, and All-MIAA wrestler in 1969 and 1970. Craig also excelled in track. He was named Most Valuable Player from 1968-1970, All-MIAA from 1968-1970, and Most Valuable in the MIAA in 1970.
Craig currently resides in Pinckney, Michigan with his wife Roberta and their son Seth.
Frank R. Gould, '63
One of Albion's greatest quarterbacks ever, Frank established records for the most passes thrown, most passes completed, most touchdowns, and most yardage gained in a game, season, and career. Frank is the current record holder for most passing yardage and most completions in a single game. In 1961 he was named to the All-State Small College team, voted All-MIAA, and was a member of the MIAA championship football team. The following year, Frank was named co-captain of the football team.
Today, Frank is president and senior partner of Urology Associates in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife Pamela Nicolls Gould, '64, reside in Grand Rapids.
April DuVal Marshall, '65
A four-time letter winner, April had a remarkable impact on field hockey and women's athletics. During her four years on the field hockey team, Albion posted a winning record each season. She was named to the All-Michigan Field Hockey team and was a member of the Michigan College team that played the German Olympic touring team in 1962. A four year member of the Women's Athletic Association, April held the offices of treasurer and president within that organization.
After graduation from Albion College, April obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. For the past 25 years, she has been employed at the Council for Retarded Citizens of Jefferson County, providing support to and advocating on behalf of persons who are mentally retarded and their families. April is active in her community and church, spending much of her time volunteering. April lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband Wayne and their two children, John and Ashly.
John W. Nibert III, '79
One of Albion's finest basketball players, John finished his career at Albion second on the all time scoring list with 1355 points. His accomplishments include being named All-MIAA Honorable Mention in 1977, All-MIAA in 1978 and 1979, MIAA Most Valuable Player in 1978 and 1979, Academic All American in 1979, and Division III All American in 1979. He finished his senior year by setting a school record for points in a single season with 558. A member of the 1978 championship team that finished third in the NCAA Division III playoffs, John was named to the NCAA Division III All Tournament Team.
Today, John works as a materials manager for W.F. Wells in Three Rivers, Michigan. John and his wife Tracy currently reside in Three Rivers.
Suzanne Leiby
Noble, '84
Despite missing an entire season to study abroad, Sue is perhaps Albion's greatest swimmer to date. She was named All-MIAA in 1981, 1982, and 1984, MIAA Most Valuable Swimmer in 1982 and 1984, All American in 1981, 1982 and 1984, and Academic All-America in 1984. She was the NCAA Division III champion in the 1650 yard freestyle and established the NCAA Division III record in the 1650 yard freestyle, making her the first woman in the history of Albion and the MIAA to win a NCAA Division III swimming championship. In her three year career, Sue established 9 Albion records, 4 MIAA records, and 8 pool records.
Since graduation, Sue has continued to participate in swimming both competitively and as a coach. She has been both an assistant and head swimming coach, and in 1990, she placed first in a competitive meet winning three different events. Currently, Sue lives in Midland with her husband David and their daughter Jennifer Ruth.
Gregory P. Pulling, '70
A remarkable swimmer, Greg lettered all four years and was a team leader. He was named Most Valuable Swimmer in 1967 and was co-captain of the team in 1969 and again in 1970. When his career at Albion was over, Greg had established school and pool records in the 100, 200, 500, and 1000 yard freestyle events, was a member of the record-setting 400 yard freestyle team, and had established the four year career scoring record. In 1978, Greg was the assistant coach of the Albion College Swimming and Diving Team.
An Albion native, Greg remained in the area following graduation and became active in the community. He was a member of the board of directors of the Albion Chamber of Commerce and Albion Junior Achievement, and past president of the Albion Rotary Club. Today, Greg is the owner and operator of a company specializing in automobile repairs and customizing. He lives in Kernersville, North Carolina with his wife Linda Vivian Pulling, '75.
Joseph W. Shurmur, '63
An outstanding football player and team leader, Joe was instrumental in leading the 1961 Britons to the MIAA championship. In 1961 he was named Most Valuable Player, All-MIAA on offense and defense, MIAA Most Valuable Player, was selected to the All State Small College team and was also named honorable mention All American Football Player in 1961. Unfortunately for Albion, Joe missed his senior year to start medical school at the University of Michigan.
Joe retired from the practice of orthopedic surgery in 1988. He enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, boating, and reading in his free time. Joe lives with his wife Barbara in Dearborn Heights and they are the parents of four children and three granddaughters.
Ronald D. Springer, '66
A remarkable football player, Ron was drafted and signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966. Ron's Albion career concluded with an impressive list of accomplishments. He was named All-MIAA twice, in 1964 and again in 1965, and was named MIAA co-Most Valuable Player in 1965. Ron was also a key member in helping Albion capture the 1964 MIAA title.
Currently, Ron is a teacher at Webster Middle School and the assistant football coach at Bartlett High School in Webster, Massachusetts. Ron has held a variety of other coaching positions, including head football coach at Summerfield High School in Petersburg, Michigan, assistant football coach and head wrestling coach at Flushing High School in Flushing, Michigan, and assistant lacrosse coach at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts.
Ron passed away May 3, 2012, after a brave battle with cancer.
Team
1976 Football Team
Albion's 1976 football team was perfect: 9-0 overall and 5-0 in the MIAA. The team finished the season ranked third in the NCAA III rankings. A powerful team on both offense and defense, Albion ranked first in rushing offense, total defense, defense against scoring, third in rushing defense, and fourth in total offense among Division III schools.
While teamwork was the key to Albion's success, the Britons had ten players selected to be first team All-MIAA. They included tri-captains Kevin Schaefer, Rick Otis and David Abbott; Kevin Nixon, Ron Vanderlinden, James Haskins, Steve Spencer, Fred Cromie, Frank Carr, and Steve Robb. Robb was also selected as the Most Valuable Player in the MIAA.
Other team members included Jeffrey Allen, Christopher Baker, James Bauman, Michael Bearman, Dennis Bearup, Richard Bewley, Mike Biando, Michael Bivens, Frederick Boggan, Alvin Bonds, Douglas Butts, Patrick Callaghan, Thomas Carr, Kurt Caurdy, Timothy Compton, Stephen Crane, Ted Cromie, Phillip Damaska, Dexter Davis, John DeLuyck, Thomas DeSana, Robert Dolsen, David Donovan, Donald Durrett, Stuart Etherton, Clifford Flood, Thomas Freeland, David Galaviz, James Gamin, Branko Gegich, Jr., Andy Harder, Martin Hoffmeister, M. Paul Holbrook, Richard Howe, Jr., G. Mike Huff, Kent Kirsh, Thomas Klus, Frederick Koch, Christopher Kroll, William Linsdau, John Lokar, Timothy Luke, Ken Mangold, Richard Marx-manager, Paul McAvoy, James McChesney, Daniel McGee, Craig Miller, Dale Miller, Tyree Minner, Anthony Perrino III, Curtis Pope, Alfred Posa, Steven Posa, Peter Radowick, Timothy Reindl, Kevin Roberts, Brian Russ, Frank Sander, John Schmidt, Randall Seibert, Michael Skinner, Kevin Snyder, Paul Stark, L. Michael Stiltner, Robert Tieche, Michael Tyler, David Verdun, Darryl Waller, Ronald Wasczenski, Timothy Wenzel, Kurt Wiese, Gene Wiggins,Jr., Darrell Williams, David Wood and David Zaitchik. Coaches included Head Coach Frank Joranko, Defensive Coordinator Steve Beckholt, Defensive Line Coach David Egnatuk, Offensive Line Coach Kenneth Foust and Trainer Walt Swyers.