Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2004
- Class:
- 1967
Dan Lankas’ prowess on the gridiron earned him a first team All-Big 8 selection in both 1966 and 1967 and he still holds the K-State record for tackles in a game with 28 vs. Missouri in 1967.
He recorded an incredible 175 tackles as a junior in 1966 and 178 tackles as a senior in 1967. His tackle totals from 1966 and 1967 represent the best two-season total in Kansas State history, and he still ranks sixth all-time in total tackles at Kansas State with 363. Lankas represented K-State in both the Senior Bowl and Blue-Gray all-star games.
Off the field, he was honored with a 1967 Big Eight All-Academic selection. At the time of his induction, he had transitioned into a successful high school football coach in Atwood, Kan., guiding his team to three state 2A titles, 10 league championships, 12 district titles and winning seasons in 17 of 19 years.
