Member Biography

At Michigan in the early 1940s, Fritz Crisler had one of the most versatile linemen who ever played the game, one who moved from guard to tackle to center as needed, and who played each position with skill, confidence and winning effectiveness. His name: Merv Pregulman. In 1941, as a sophomore line-backer and center against Northwestern, Pregulman intercepted an Otto Graham pass and ran it back 65 yards for a touchdown and a 14-7 Wolverine victory. In 1942, Michigan played Notre Dame for the first time in 25 years and won, 32-20. He was named an All-Big Ten lineman, and in 1943, he won All-America honors. The 1943 Michigan team was Big Ten co-champion. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Pregulman played pro football with the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. He went into the furniture business, and in 1959, joined Siskin Steel and Supply in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as president and chief executive officer.