Hall of Fame
Position: End
Years: 1925-1927
Place of Birth: Muskegon, MI
Date of Birth: Feb 24, 1906
Place of Death: Ann Arbor, MI
Date of Death: Oct 25, 1990
Jersey Number: 47
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
High School: Muskegon, MI (Muskegon HS)
Benjamin G. "Bennie" Oosterbaan was born February 24, 1906, in Muskegon, Michigan. He became a freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1924, and that was his hometown the rest of his life. He died October 25, 1990, at age 84. He was at the university as a student, as assistant football coach 1928-47, head basketball coach 1938-46, head football coach 1948-58, and director of alumni relations 1959-72. As football player, he was All-America end three times 1925-27, captain and Most Valuable Player in 1927. The Football Writers Association named him to its all-time All- America modern team in 1974. In 1925 he led all Big 10 football players in scoring; he had eight touchdowns. In 1926 his 60-yard run with a recovered fumble helped Michigan to a 7-6 victory over Minnesota. He lettered three years in basketball and in 1928 led the Big Ten in scoring with 129 points in 12 games. He lettered three years in baseball and in 1928, led the Big Ten in batting. In 1928, he received Michigan's Big Ten medal, awarded annually for excellence in scholarship and athletics. His record as head football coach was 63-33-4. His 1948 team was undefeated national champion, and he was named Coach of the Year.
