Dave Pawlik (2018) - M Club Hall of Fame - University of Memphis Athletics

Dave Pawlik

Induction:
2018

A Lancaster, New York, native, David Pawlik signed with Billy J. Murphy’s Memphis Tigers in 1968 and under NCAA rules, played one season with the Tiger freshman team.

He earned his first varsity letter in 1969 as a sophomore reserve in the defensive front and demonstrated his ability to anchor the line. Pawlik earned the Best Defensive Lineman Award in the spring of 1970 and became the Memphis starter at nose tackle as a junior. He was credited with 52 solo tackles and 44 assisted stops during the 1970 season to rank third on the squad in total tackles. He registered a team-high nine tackles against Ole Miss and was selected to the 1970 All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team.

Pawlik became a record-setter during his senior season. He recorded a team-high 103 solo tackles and 58 assists during the team’s 11 games and was named first team all-Missouri Valley Conference for the second consecutive year. His 103 solo tackles in 1971 remains the Tiger single-season record after 47 years and his 161 total tackles that season still ranks as the second-highest total in Tiger history. Memphis won two Missouri Valley Conference championships in football during his tenure.

Pawlik’s play as a senior helped the Tigers to the 1971 Pasadena Bowl Game, where he led the squad with 15 tackles during the 28-9 victory over San Jose State.

Pawlik was selected to play in the 1971 Blue/Gray All-Star Game and spent one season playing in the Canadian Football League.

He joined Hilti, Inc. following his playing days and has been with the company for 46 years.