Montclair State University Athletics

It was late in the fourth quarter and Montclair State had just about sewn up a 23-6 win over Hofstra in the opening round of the 1989 NCAA Division III Playoffs. On the sideline, Dan Walsh, who had already rushed for 131 yards, pleased with head coach Rick Giancola to go back into the game. One of the most punishing runners in Montclair State history, Walsh was always willing to take the ball and during his career he did with outstanding results. He came to Montclair State in 1987 suiting up at linebacker. But with MSC loaded on the defensive side of the ball, Walsh jumped to the offensive side and Montclair State would be better for it. In his first season (1988), playing amid a three-headed rushing attack, Walsh established himself as the leader of the group running for 785 yards on 104 carries and scoring five touchdowns. Included in those scored was an 85-yard run against Ramapo that set records for the longest run from scrimmage and longest TD rush in Montclair State history. He was named All-NJAC for his efforts and it set the stage for one of the best seasons by a Montclair running back in 1989. From the outset, Walsh became one of the top players in the NJAC rushing for 1,370 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns, numbers even more impressive when you consider he missed the final two games of the regular season with an injured shoulder. Walsh also recorded two of the most remarkable performances in school history. Against Ramapo that season, he set an NCAA All-Division record with 46 CONSECUTIVE carrers, compiling 215 yards. The following week versus Kean, Walsh had a “drop off” in his performance with 43 carries for 203 yards. He would be named the NJAC Offensive Player of the Year and was selected to the Pizza Hut Division III All-America Team. In two seasons at running back, Walsh rushed for 2,220 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.