Back to search

Vic Hanson

End

Inducted 1973

Date of Birth

7/30/1903

Birthplace

Sacramento, CA

School

Syracuse University (1924-1926)

Bio

Called by Grantland Rice, "the best all-around athlete Syracuse ever had," Victor Hanson was a three sport star for the Orangemen. In addition to being an All-America end, Hanson was an All-America in basketball and good enough in baseball to be signed by the New York Yankees. Hanson began his collegiate career in 1924 as the only sophomore on the varsity. A teammate on that 1924 team was future Hall of Fame coach Lynn Waldorf. During three varsity seasons Syracuse posted a 23-5-3 record. Hanson, playing end, called the plays for the offense. He captained the football, basketball and baseball teams. After graduation he played one year in baseball's minor leagues. He returned to Syracuse as an assistant coach in 1928 and 1929. In 1930, at the age of 27, Hanson was named head football coach. In seven seasons he posted a 33-21-5 record. He later became a prominent insurance counselor. Hanson was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.