Don Nikles established himself as one
of the finest running backs in Lafayette
history during a three-year varsity career
under coach Jim McColongue. One of the
East's better fullbacks as a senior, the
Nazareth, PA native set career marks in
rushing and carries that stood for better than
13 seasons.
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He was twice named to the first-
team All-Middle Atlantic Conference squad
at fullback, and he won the MAC rushing
titles in his junior and senior seasons with
dramatic performances against Lehigh. In
1958, Nikles rushed for 108 yards on 28 carries
as Lafayette battled to a 14-14 tie with the
Engineers, with Nikles gaining the MAC
rushing crown by a narrow margin. In 1959,
Don again captured the league yardage title
with one of the most impressive displays of
running in Leopard history. The 190-pounder
outgained the entire Lehigh team, rushing for
191 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries on
power Lafayette to a 28-6 triumph. Following
his graduation, he played professional football
for one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
