A local product and all-metro offensive lineman from Columbus’ Walnut Ridge High School, Tom Dolder came to Otterbein as a tackle but was eventually moved to the guard spot.

Otterbein suffered a tough 2-6-1 record during Dolder’s freshman season in 1978, but the team was able to turn things around and go a combined 18-9 over the final three seasons, which included a 7-2 mark in 1981. Dolder became a four-year letterman and three-year starter during that time span, forming a rocksolid guard duo with Doug McCombs, a 1980 All-American, to help pave the way for standout running back Wayne Cummerlander.

Dolder, standing 6-1 and 210 pounds, also started to make a name for himself during Otterbein’s turnaround. He received first-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) honors as a senior during the team’s seven-win season in ‘81, and put the finishing touches on his career when the Associated Press later selected him second-team All-American.

Tom’s coaches and teammates remember him as a quick, strong, and intelligent player that had a great desire for life and football