Mercyhurst University Athletics

Dave Curtis holds a special place in Laker history as part of the first Laker football team in 1981 and he played in 1982 as well. David is one of the guys who also played while my grandfather, Jim Tonks, was the linebacker coach for a few years. David was one of the top defensive players for the Lakers as they began their program, leading the team in tackles both years. In 16 games over the course of his career, Curtis recorded 149 tackles. He added three interceptions to his line and was named the MVP for a fall sport according to the Thompson Newspaper to cement himself in Laker history as a player. He also cemented his legacy as a coach. Dave coached at Mercyhurst for 12 years up through the 1994 season and coached seven of the 20 or so football players in the Mercyhurst Hall of Fame. He coached one of our own here tonight, Jim Zank, and even recruited Mercyhurst Board Member John Langer.