DePauw University

Downham was a four-year letter winner as a kicker and, in 1986, was named to the Pizza Hut All-America First Team and Associated Press Little All-America Honorable Mention. In 1986 he broke the school record with a 53-yard field goal and then, as a senior, broke his own record with a 54-yarder. Downham maintained the program records of 101 extra-points made and 28 field goals made until 2016. His 52 consecutive extra-points converted remain a program record. Downham led the 1986 team in scoring with 66 points and broke the single-season record with 13 field goals which lasted until 2016. He ranks 12th in program history with 185 career points which is third among kickers. Downham was one of 12 kickers invited to the 1988 NFL Combine in Indianapolis and he received tryouts with the New York Giants, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and the Washington Redskins.

A communication major at DePauw, Downham rode in the Little 5 three times, was an all-star twice, recorded the race’s fastest single lap two times and was on the winning team in 1987.

His position as an outside sales rep with Xerox Corporation began a lifelong career in business-to-business service sales. He joined Business Networking International and has served in leadership in multiple roles, as well as chapter president three times over the last 20-plus years. Downham has coached middle school and high school sports in Fort Wayne for 14 seasons and coached one season at University of Saint Francis. He also has taught religious education at St Jude’s Catholic Church. He and his wife, Lisa, are parents to sons Aaron and Jed.