Patrick Laughlin

Patrick Laughlin, a 1993 DeWitt graduate, earned five varsity letters in football and basketball.  With his muscular frame and intelligence, he could impose his will on opponents.  In football, Laughlin earned All-League, All-Area and All-State honors as he dominated on both sides of the ball, playing outside linebacker and tight end.  His graduating class lost only three games throughout their four years in high school.  As a senior, Laughlin doubled DeWitt’s previous single-season sack record with a total of 16.  He recovered four fumbles, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and he still shares the single-game record for sacks (4).  He provided most of the big passing plays in DeWitt’s run-heavy triple-option offense, hauling in 17 passes for 177 yards and seven touchdowns.  DeWitt won the Ingham County League (ICL) Championship and finished the regular season undefeated and ranked #1, but the Panthers suffered a tough loss in the first round of the playoffs.  As a basketball standout, Laughlin earned All-League, All-Area and All-State honors as both a junior and a senior.  During his three-year varsity career, DeWitt won two ICL Championships and two Class B District Championships.  Known for his leadership and unselfish play, Laughlin led the team in scoring (15.0) and rebounding (9.1) as a junior.  He averaged 14.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists as a senior and finished with 850 career points.  Laughlin accepted a full-ride scholarship to play football at Eastern Michigan University, where he was a four-year varsity letter-winner, playing tight end for the Eagles.  He played every game during his career except seven due to injury.  He started 18 games over fours, catching 26 passes for 300 yards and one touchdown.