Hall of Fame
A two-star athlete who excelled in both football and track & field, Willie E. Dent compiled 1,870 rushing yards during a three-year career as a fullback. Dent, who played for Lincoln from 1962-64 after starring on Flint Northern High's 1960 undefeated state championship team, helped the Blue Tigers win 18 football games. As a junior in 1964, Dent, who earned All-MWAA honors as a sophomore, led Lincoln to an 8-2 record. Dent's best performance came in Lincoln's 74-0 win over St. Mary's (Kan.), as he gained 224 yards scored three touchdowns on just 14 carries. The Blue Tigers finished that season ranked No. 5 in the country by the Pittsburgh Courier.
As a four-year member of Lincoln's track & field team from 1963-66, Dent helped the Blue Tigers win several meets, including the 1965 NCAA Midwest Regional Championship. Dent competed in the decathlon of the 1964 St. Louis Olympic Trials, finishing in fourth place.
