Melvin "Fritz" Hanson (1972) - Bison Athletic Hall of Fame

Melvin "Fritz" Hanson

Induction:
1972
Class:
1936

NDSU's first Associated Press first-team Little All-American, earning the honor in 1934. Lauded as “The Blond Ghost of Claudie Miller,” he paced the Bison to its second NCC crown in 1932. He electrified crowds with his dazzling runs including an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown against Oklahoma City in 1934. After leaving NDSU, he played professional football in Canada for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders. Nicknamed “Twinkle Toes,” he played in eight Grey Cup (championship) games, and was referred to as the first of the great imports and was eventually selected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.