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National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics

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Hall of Fame

DCanham_NACMAHOF

Don Canham

  • Class
  • Induction
    2011
  • Sport(s)
    NACMA
  • Former Michigan Director of Athletics (1968-88)
  • Entitled as the “father of modern college athletics”
  • Launched the first-ever direct mail and advertising campaign to boost ticket sales
  • Increased attendance at football games from 74,000 per year to capacity crowds eventually leading  to 186 straight home games
  • A combination of marketing gimmicks and coaching hires, Canham improved both the revenues and prestige of the University of Michigan football program
  • Established a series of fundraising clubs as well as new areas of income in licensing and marketing specialty items
  • NACDA Hall of Famer (1988
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