It was at the height of the Roaring ‘20s when Harry Hawkins, Arthur Hill graduate and University of Michigan alumnus, became the first all-American football player from Saginaw County — his Michigan football coach, Fielding H. Yost, referred to him as “the greatest lineman of the year.”

Hawkins played for three seasons on the University of Michigan football team from 1923-1925 with career highlights consisting of the 1923 national championship, first team all-American by the Football Writers Association of America in 1925 and several other honors. While on the team, he played football greats such as Bennie Oosterbaan, Harry Kipke and Benny Friedman. 

Hawkins was more than a great football player. In his final year at the University of Michigan, the track & field coach approached Hawkins to try his hand at the hammer throw event—in which he excelled. Hawkins won a Big Ten championship, was named all-American twice and even won a national NCCA title in 1926. He was so good in the hammer throw event that he could have competed at the Olympic level, but as he was having trouble paying for his college tuition, the Olympics wasn’t something he could afford to pursue.  

Hawkins graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1926 and enjoyed a successful career at General Motors where he led a team to develop power steering and was later honored by the University of Michigan for his “outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of the field of engineering.” Hawkins married Ruth A. Goodwin in 1927 and they had two sons, Cordy and Harry. Hawkins continued to attend many Arthur Hill High School football games, was a very active community member and a steadfast supporter of Saginaw County.

Hawkins sat on the Delta College Board of Trustees from 1957 – 1963 then again from 1967 – 1972. In 1961, Hawkins was honored by the Arthur Hill Honor Alumni Roll and became a member of the inaugural class entering the Arthur Hill High School Letterwinner’s Hall of Fame. The contributions of student athletes often leave lasting impressions that inspire generations for years to come. Although Hawkins passed away August 10, 1977, he was selected in 2010 to enter the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame. His son, Harry G. Hawkins, accepted the award on behalf of his late father. 

Financial constraints should not be something that prevent students from pursuing their passions. As such, two scholarships have been established in Harry Hawkins’ name. The Saginaw Club established the Hawkins Award for the most outstanding senior football player in Saginaw County. And the Delta College Foundation established the Harry Hawkins Scholarship for Delta College students.

We look forward to seeing Harry Hawkins’ athletic achievements displayed in the new Sports Hall of Fame at Saginaw United, alongside many other athletes who have made tremendous contributions to their respective sports and the Saginaw County community.

Harry Hawkins will be honored once again, on October 22 at the Saginaw Club where he will be inducted into the Saginaw County Hall of Fame.