Northland College Athletics

Bill was probably the finest all around athlete ever to perform at Northland. He started every game during his four-year varsity football career. A standout end for three seasons, he shifted to tackle as a senior. He was known as "Iron Man" Donovan for never having missed a game and for his rugged blocking and tackling. He captained the 1934 team and starred on the 1931 squad that was undefeated and unscored upon and won the state college championship. He also was captain and leading scorer on the hockey team in 1934 and 1935. The team was undefeated both seasons. He also lettered in tennis as a junior and senior. He was business manager if the yearbook as a junior, president of the freshmen class, president of the intersociety council as a senior, served on the athletic board for two years and had the lead in the drama club play as a senior.

Donovan is now a business executive in Rockford, Illinois.