Cornell University Athletics

As a halfback in football, Dawson led the team in rushing and was second in receiving in 1947, and was runner-up in both categories in 1946. He was named by the Associated Press to its All-America honorable mention list and its All-East and All-Ivy second teams in 1947. He held the Cornell record for the longest pass play (98 yards for a touchdown) and had the second-best season (13.9) and career (13.3) punt return average. Dawson played in the outfield and at first base in baseball, earning All-East mention. In track, he ran the 75-yard dash and on the mile relay unit. Through his athletic career at Cornell, he won a total of 10 letters, four each in football and baseball and two in track. He was the Cornell Sun Athlete of the Year for 1947-48.