GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota football program mourns the loss of Hall of Famer David Williamson, who passed away last Tuesday. He was 78.
 
"The entire UND community mourns the loss of David," said North Dakota Director of Athletics Bill Chaves. "His contributions to the University as well as UND athletics and football have been amazing. He and his wife Gay have provided immeasurable support and care with their time, talent and treasure over their entire lives and we could not be more grateful."
 
After starring for his high school in his hometown of Hudson, Wis., Williamson joined the North Dakota football program in the late-1960's and lettered two seasons for the Fighting Sioux.
 
"Our condolences to David Williamson, his wife, Gay, and his entire family," said UND head football coach Eric Schmidt. "He was an unbelievable person. Someone who has been around this program since the late-60's, set a bunch of rushing records as a player here and just the legacy that he left. We use people like him as an example a lot to help tell the story of UND football. He was very successful in life and made a huge impact and left a legacy here on this program."
 
He earned All-NCC Honorable Mention honors and was named the team's top offensive player in 1969 after setting the then-program record with 257 yards rushing on 40 carries in a win over Morningside. That record stood for nearly 30 years and still ranks fifth all-time at UND.
 
Williamson has earned multiple accolades and distinctions following his playing career, as he was inducted into the UND Letterwinner's Association Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, earned the Hudson High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008 and was named a UND Football Legends Award winner in 2013.
 
He and his wife, Gay, were honored with the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement & Leadership in 2008 and have established both legacy endowments and impact scholarships.
 
"The University of North Dakota football family not only lost a football legend but also a passionate and loyal alum," said North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation Sr. Drector of Development Steve Brekke. "David's legacy will forever live on through the "Little Big Man Scholarship" endowment he and his wife, Gay, established to support the program. He was a tremendous human being and will be greatly missed."
 
For more information on North Dakota football, follow on social media @UNDfootball or visit FightingHawks.com.