MVSU's Totten and Lincoln's Lewis enshrined
into College Football Hall of Fame
August 13, 2005
Itta Bena, MS---Mississippi Valley State University head football
coach and former standout quarterback Willie Totten and former
Lincoln (MO) University running back Leo Lewis were enshrined
in The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
today in a ceremony in South Bend, IN.
MVSU Photo
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Willie Totten |
CFHOF Photo
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Leo Lewis |
Totten and Lewis were selected earlier this spring for enshrinement
into the 10th Divisional Class since the election process expanded
in 1996 to include players from all divisions. They joined
19 other former players and coaches that include names such
as Tony Casillas, Andre Ware, George Welsh and Jack Tatum.
“It’s always good to know that people remember
your accomplishments when you played, it’s been twenty
years. It’s just remarkable,” said Totten. “To
be considered by the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame lets
me know that I really accomplished something as a student-athlete,
it makes me feel very, very good.”
During his playing days at Valley, Totten first earned All-American
status in 1984 after leading the nation and setting the all-time
single-season touchdown passes mark (56) for all divisions.
The four time All-Conference selectee, is only the eleventh
member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference to receive this
honor.
With 139 career touchdown passes, Totten is Division I-AA's
all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711)
and single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984). Owning numerous
MVSU passing and total offense records, he twice led the nation
in passing efficiency. Four times in Totten's career he passed
for more than 530 yards in a single game, including a 599-yard
performance in 1984 vs. Prairie View - the third best single-game
performance in Division I-AA history.
“Valley gave me my start and anytime you can come back
and have Mississippi Valley receive national recognition its
good,” said Totten. “I love Mississippi Valley.
I will always be a part of Mississippi Valley and Mississippi
Valley will always be a part of me.”
A dominating running back, Lincoln's Leo Lewis compiled huge
rushing statistics in an era when big numbers by a rusher were
uncommon. Leading the Blue Tigers to a 27-5-3 record in his
collegiate career, he went on to become one of the greatest
professional players in Canadian Football League history.
A two-time First Team All-America selection, Lewis rewrote
the Lincoln record books. At 5-foot-10, 185-pounds, he smashed
school all-time records for touchdowns in a season (22), touchdowns
in a career (64), rushing yards in a season (1,239) and career
rushing yards (4,457).
Following graduation in 1954, Lewis was drafted by the Baltimore
Colts of the National Football League, but it was in the CFL
that he made his greatest mark. In 11 seasons with Winnipeg,
he earned All-Pro honors six times solidifying is position
among the league's all-time best and securing him a place in
the CFL Hall of Fame.
A very active and devoted community member, Lewis participates
in the National Youth Sports Program and is a member of the
Mason, Kiwanis and Imperial Clubs. After his playing days ended,
he enjoyed short stints as Lincoln's head football and women's
basketball coach.
For more information on The National Football Foundation and
College Hall of Fame and the 2005 class visit www.collegefootball.org.
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