Dan Richard Doffek
Dan Doffek was a simple guy who loved all sports. He obviously had talent, but his greatest attribute was his competitiveness and desire to win. Dan and his brother Scott competed against each other quite often, and Scott says: He used to kick my butt at everything growing up, and trust me there was no mercy.
Both Dan and Scott played baseball for Arrowhead. Dan batted .446 as a senior and .406 as a junior, capturing First-Team All-Conference honors both years. In addition, he was crowned First-Team All-State as an infielder his senior year (1982).
After graduating from Arrowhead High School, Dan began working as a machinist. Several years later while working towards his apprenticeship (3rd shift), he decided to enroll at WCTC and play baseball. He was often exhausted, going to school and playing baseball during the day and working nights, but he loved it as it was another way to play baseball. That summer he went on to win the Frank Langsdorf League Batting Title, playing in the area’s most competitive league at the time.
Dan came down with Melanoma in the spring of 1990. He continued to compete in the Land O Lakes baseball leage that summer, despite surgeries and treatment. He never felt sorry for himself. Unfortunately, Dan lost the battle to cancer at the age 26. Those that had the privilege to play with him said he was a true champion – one they will not forget.