SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Joe Dittrich (1977-81) was a four-year letterwinner in both football and baseball and still ranks among the top wide receivers in school history.
A native of Altura, Minn., Dittrich played in 40 career games for the Mustang football team and became one of the top receivers not only in the conference, but nationally as well.
A two-time All-NIC selection in 1979 and 1980, he led the conference in receptions in 1979 with 40, then followed that with an even better senior season in 1980. He set a conference record with 77 receptions in eight league games and also led the conference with 919 receiving yards. His 83 receptions overall in 1980 set an SMSU single-season record and also led NCAA Division II, while ranking second in NAIA. For his efforts in 1980, Dittrich was named NAIA honorable mention All-America. Dittrich closed his career holding school records in both receiving yards (1,928) and receptions (166).
Following the 2014 season, Dittrich still ranks seventh in career pass receptions and eighth in receiving yards at SMSU, while his 83 catches in 1980 now ranks third in the single-season record book.
On the baseball diamond, Dittrich played in 97 career games and finished his career batting .318 with 14 doubles and four home runs.
