11 Facts About Don Canham

Donald Burrell Canham was a track and field athlete and coach and college athletics administrator.

Don Canham served as the athletic director at the University of Michigan from 1968 to 1988.

At the University of Michigan, Don Canham was an athlete for the Michigan Wolverines men's track and field team, earning All-American honors by winning the 1940 NCAA title in the high jump and was both the indoor and outdoor Big Ten Conference champion in both 1940 and 1941.

Don Canham completed his bachelor's degree in physical education, history, and science at Michigan in 1941 and Master of Arts degree at Michigan in 1948.

Don Canham's teams won 11 Big Ten Conference championships, seven indoor and four outdoor.

Don Canham left the post after 21 seasons to become the school's athletic director.

Don Canham had Tartan Turf installed in Michigan Stadium to replace its grass playing surface in 1969.

In 1982, Don Canham was reported to be leading a group of investors looking to purchase the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.

Don Canham had preliminary meetings with the Norris family, although the franchise was eventually sold to Mike Ilitch.

Michigan's swimming and diving and women's water polo teams compete in the Donald B Canham Natatorium, named for Canham upon his retirement in 1988.

Don Canham died May 3,2005, at the age of 87 after rupturing his abdominal aorta.