Denison Athletics remembers David Elliott

GRANVILLE, Ohio (January 5, 2022) – Denison University Athletics is celebrating the life of David Elliott ’87, a member of the 2001 Denison Varsity D Hall of Fame. Elliott died on Dec. 31, 2021.

Elliott earned four varsity letters while playing for both the Denison football (1983-86) and baseball (1984-87) teams. In football, Elliott was a team captain and the team’s “Most Efficient Defensive Lineman” in 1986. He received All-North Coast Athletic Conference honors in 1984, 1985, and 1986, and was selected as an All-American for the Big Red in 1986. In his baseball career, Elliott was the team captain and MVP in 1987. He was picked to the All-NCAC team in 1985, 1986, and 1987, and the All-Midwest team in 1987.

Elliott was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and was the WDUB radio sports director from 1986-88. He played two seasons in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees organization. He was a three-sport athlete in high school, won an Ohio state basketball championship in 1983, and was inducted into the Bexley High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Following his graduation, Elliott went on to become a successful financial planner in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

David’s brother, Rex Elliott ’84, was a four-year letter winner in football, a two-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference receiver, and he, too, was inducted to the Denison Varsity D Hall of Fame in 2015. Elliott and his brother served for many years on the board of Denison’s Varsity D Association, teammates at Denison and in life.

“My brother was a lifetime Denisonian who treasured every relationship this great university gave to him,” Rex Elliott said. “Words cannot describe how much we will miss him.”

“My husband loved his Denison legacy, and we all appreciate the many lifelong relationships we have today because of David’s time at Denison,” said Elliott’s wife, Lisa.

Jack Hire, who coached both Elliott and his brother during their time at Denison, said Elliott “was one of those rare players who possessed an ideal combination of extreme athleticism and imposing physical size. He was dominant both as a pass rusher and against the run, and with his height, he caused problems for opponents’ field goal and punting units, as well.

“All this,” Hire said, “coupled with his high IQ for the game of football, his tireless work ethic, and his leadership skills, made Dave a pleasure to coach all four years. As a formidable leader of Denison’s defense, his performance was clearly a significant factor in our team’s back-to-back conference championships in the mid-1980s. We at Denison also appreciated his continuing loyalty to the university after graduation, and he will be missed dearly by all of us. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends and teammates.”

“David was a stellar athlete in two sports, a remarkable peer leader, and understood the importance of a Denison education as demonstrated through his life’s work,” said Denison Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Nan Carney-DeBord. “However, what set David apart was his uncanny ability to offer encouragement and instill confidence. It was my honor to work with and get to know David in his service on the Varsity D Board of Directors. His insight, suggestions, and support have left a wonderful legacy of competitive excellence here at Denison.”

The tradition of the Elliott family at Denison continues to this day — with Rex Elliott’s daughter Gabby Elliott currently a junior on the Big Red women’s basketball team.

Elliott leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Lisa, and their three children: Drew, Caroline, and Annie. Denison Athletics mourns the loss of Elliott, an outstanding student and athlete who made many lifelong friendships with Denisonians near and far.

In partnership with Denison University, the family of David Elliott has set up a fund in his name. To contribute, please visit support.denison.edu/elliott.

David Elliott obituary: https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/b0057479