Quarterback: 1956-1959
Dennis was a four year football letter winner 1956-1959. He lettered 11 times out of a possible 13 as an athlete at Mineral Point High School. He earned the respect of the coaches in the conference and following his junior season he was named Second Team All-Conference Quarterback. His senior season was cut short by injury, playing only three and a half games, was named First Team All-Conference, First Team All Area, and Third Team All State Defensive Back. During his football career he won eight games and lost only one game and tied one game when he was the starting quarterback for the Pointers.
Dennis excelled in track as well placing at the state meet as a sophomore, fourth place in the Broad Jump and in the half-mile. As a junior he placed second in the Broad Jump and fourth again in the half-mile. As a senior he was undefeated in the half-mile, Broad Jump, Low Hurdles, and mile relay team. He was injured at the conference track meet after winning the long jump and the half-mile, being spiked by a runner that required numerous stitches ending his season. Coach Wells said the Pointers would have won the state track meet if “Murph” had not been injured. What if? Coach Wells noted that coaches memories are really special when outstanding athletes come along. Dennis ranks right along with the All-State and All-Americans that I have coached.
One of “Murphs” greatest memories was at the Madison West Relays. Every long jump was over 22’ and they said he scratched, he didn’t believe it and told his coach, Bob Wells. Coach said to jump back of the 12” board which he did and won the event with a jump of 20’ 9 1/2”. That was enough to beat UW football recruit Louie Holland who had a jump of 20’ 6”. Dennis was also a 2:02 to 2:04 minute half-mile runner, an all-conference and all-area basketball player. He played on the Platteville State Teacher’s College junior varsity team his freshman year. He ran cross country and track his sophomore year at Winona State and was on the swimming team.
Following his successful high school athletic career “Murph” served his country during the Vietnam War. While serving he won the Physical Fitness Award over hundreds of other participating soldiers. From Democrat Editorial-1958, Denny Murphy, Pointer first-starting quarterback, will be sitting out this game as he did the one at Lancaster Friday and as he will the rest of the season. Here is a young man who played his heart out during the first 3 1/2 games of the year. He was outstanding on offense and defense until he was injured during the Mt. Horeb game. The fact is, he was injured twice at Mt. Horeb, but it took the second and serious mishap to put him out of the game. On the second play, we understand, he broke his finger. Not until much later, when he also suffered a broken collarbone, plus a torn cartilage and other damage, was he forced from the contest. We would use Denny as an example of the courage of all our players, and pay...through him...special tribute to our youngsters.
Dennis was a fierce competitor and a role model for the younger kids eagerly waiting to be like “Murph.” He had a unique capability to make things happen in athletics. Dennis has maintained his youthful enthusiasm remaining active supporting high school athletics. He is a very successful business man in Darlington owning and operating ‘Murph’s Furniture and Decorating.’ He has served on the chain-gang for Darlington football games for 38 years. He enjoys competing in bowling, golf, and occasionally picking up a bat to play softball. Dennis also ran two mile races competitively for 50 years winning several age group first place trophies.
Dennis Murphy’ s leadership skills developed in high school have continued throughout his adult life. He is active in church activities, American Legion Commander, supports school and community events, and is a promoter of the Darlington Main Street Program.
Dennis was married to MaryJo Fitzgerald in 1966 and they raised three daughters, Molly, Megan, and Bridget. All graduated from Darlington and had excellent athletic careers as well. Dennis and MaryJo have 11 grandchildren. Dennis extends a special thanks to Coach Bob Wells and Hall of Fame member Pat Kneeland for their support nominating him for the Hall of Fame. A thank you to the great guys on his high school football team.
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