UCLA, 1954
• 1952 Academic All-America® First Team
Donn Moomaw was inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Hall of Fame in 1988.
From the gridiron to the pulpit, Donn Moomaw has “kept the faith,” performing as a standout in both arenas. At UCLA, the 6’4’’ All-American Moomaw played as one of the University’s best center-linebackers in history, with 11 career-pass interceptions fueled by his strength, agility and talent for reading plays. During his senior and best season, Moomaw helped the Bruins to an 8-1 record, only sullied by a devastating 14-12 loss to rival USC in the Pacific Coast Conference title game. That year Moomaw was also a Heisman Trophy candidate, the Lineman of the Year by the Associated Press and United Press International, and the MVP of the North-South All-Star Game in Miami. In 1973, Moomaw was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
As the founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Moomaw fittingly joined the ministry after a successful professional career in the Canadian Football League. Moomaw was named pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian in 1964 and led a growing congregation that included Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Ronald Regan and Moomaw began a friendship based on their discussions of issues of life and faith. While governor of California, Reagan appointed Moomaw to a four-year term on the state Board of Education in 1968. In addition, Moomaw stayed close with Reagan during his term in office, giving the invocation at both of his presidential inaugurations in 1981 and 1985.