A Record That Endures
John Sonntag, a Ferris State University football Hall of Famer, still holds the school’s tackle record set in 1974, a milestone that has withstood half a century of play.
His achievement was highlighted as the university announced that Sonntag would serve as grand marshal for the upcoming fall homecoming parade, a role that reflects his lifelong connection to the campus.
Arriving on campus in 1969 as a freshman linebacker from Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School, Sonntag quickly became a defensive stalwart, earning first‑team All‑NAIA District 23 honors four straight years and sweeping conference accolades.
After two years of service in the U.S. Army, where he rose to sergeant, he returned to Ferris State, completed a dual degree in teaching and community education, and later embarked on a career in law enforcement that culminated in his election as Mecosta County Sheriff in 1997.
Beyond the gridiron, Sonntag has been a constant presence at Bulldog games, missing only a handful of matches over the decades, and has channeled his affection for the university into substantial philanthropy, including the creation of the 30 Tackles Endowed Scholarship and a recent $102,000 contribution toward the Indoor Activities Complex.
University officials praised his enduring impact, noting that his donations and scholarship program will support future linebackers and offensive linemen, ensuring that his legacy continues to shape the program’s next generation.