Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
1-2026
Abstract
William Alfred “Red” Dawson, a native of Valdosta, Georgia, led his high school football team to a state championship and played for four years at Florida State University. Dawson briefly played professional football for the Boston Patriots in the AFL and the Orlando Panthers. He was serving as an assistant football coach at Marshall University when a fatal plane crash killed seventy-five players, coaches, staff, and prominent citizens of Huntington. Dawson was essential in restarting the Marshall University football program, serving as acting head coach and coached through the 1971 season. He then began working in the construction industry and eventually started his own firm, Red Dawson Construction. In the movie, We Are Marshall, Dawson was portrayed by Matthew Fox.
Rights
Special collections material is obtained from many sources and is intended primarily for research and educational purposes. Certain works may be protected by copyright, trademark, or related interests not governed by the department. It is up to the researcher to verify that they have permission to use these materials for publication or other activities.
Accession Number
2025/03.0897
Access and Use
For more information or to use any of these collections, contact:
Special Collections, Morrow Library
Marshall University
One John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-2343
speccoll@marshall.edu
Recommended Citation
William A. “Red” Dawson Collection, 1915-2023, Accession No. 2025/03.0897, Special Collections Department, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
Included in
American Film Studies Commons, Construction Engineering Commons, Cultural History Commons, Higher Education Commons, Other History Commons, Public History Commons, Social History Commons, Sports Management Commons, United States History Commons
