Don Betthauser to receive 2026 Blugold Spirit Award

Don Betthauser to receive 2026 Blugold Spirit Award olsondc Don Betthauser to receive 2026 Blugold Spirit Award Published on: September 23, 2026 ID Don Betthauser to receive 2026 Blugold Spirit Award Breadcrumb Home Story Categories Alumni Authored on Don Betthauser to receive 2026 Blugold Spirit Award Published on: September 23, 2026 Share this story: Intro text As a kid from Independence in the early 1960s, Don Betthauser admits that his main goal in attending college may not have been all about academics. “I just wanted to play football,” he says. “But I was told I’d have to get better with my speed to make the team. So, my dad timed me as I trained on the field at home. He seemed uncertain I could do it and advised me to focus on my classes.” Sections Betthauser not only did it, but he was a member of the teams earning the only back-to-back football championships in the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire’s history. The undefeated 1963 team won the Wisconsin State College Conference Championship, and the 1964 team won the championship once again, this time renamed as the Wisconsin State University Conference. Both titles came under head coach James Rice. “I chose Eau Claire because it was a good school, my brother had gone here and it was close to my hometown,” Betthauser says. “It all worked out well.” Betthauser, a 1966 graduate with degrees in accounting and mathematics, is the recipient of this year’s Blugold Spirit Award to be presented Oct. 2 at UW-Eau Claire as part of Homecoming activities. The annual award is given by the Alumni Association to a university supporter who has a true love for the campus, exemplifies excellence in everyday life and strives to share the UW-Eau Claire story. Selected for his love of campus...