Loras College Athletics

For many local students around the Dubuque area, the Loras Academy set the stage for a College education. For Don Nachtman, it was a return home from an injury and University of Iowa scholarship after his freshman season that set the stage for a memorable homecoming.

Nachtman was immediately eligible for the basketball and track teams upon his return to Dubuque. He provided most of his basketball prowess for the junior varsity team and shined on the track in sprinting and jumping events. His best event was the high jump – pre-Fosbury Flop – where he set the school record in 1958. He regularly cleared more than six feet and set multiple meet marks using the old technique, building off his state championship in the event when he was at the Academy.

Nachtman used that track speed and athleticism to help a productive football backfield gain chunks of yards at a time AND help the defensive backs keep players in front of him – playing on both sides of the ball during each of his three season of eligibility. He also punted for the team for two seasons. Nachtman garnered his awards as a ball carrier, most noted for his ability to break a long run. He finished his career with an All-American nod from the Catholic All-American committee and was invited to training camps with both the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

Don and his wife Rocheay are the proud parents of three daughters and will celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary this summer.