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Former All-American and Captain John Markas Passes Away
9/11/2024 10:30:00 AM | Football
DURHAM, N.C. – Former Duke football captain John Markas passed away on September 1 at the age of 84.
A native of Morganton, N.C., Markas lettered three seasons (1960-61-62) at Duke under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Murray. A two-year starter at guard, Markas helped the Blue Devils to a three-year record of 23-8 (.742) with three ACC championships, an appearance in the 1961 Cotton Bowl and three final national rankings in 1960 (Associated Press No. 10 & United Press International No. 11), 1961 (AP No. 20) and 1962 (UPI No. 14).
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As a senior in 1962, Markas served as team captain and earned honorable mention All-America honors after guiding Duke to a perfect 6-0 record in ACC play as the Blue Devils outscored their league opponents by a margin of 134-43.Â
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Markas is survived by his wife Brenda Ann Tolson-Markas and sons John Markas III (Linda) of Wilmington, N.C., and Lantz Tolson (Jenna) of McPherson, Kan.
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Memorial gifts may be made to The Iron Dukes at www.gifts.duke.edu/irondukes.Â
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A native of Morganton, N.C., Markas lettered three seasons (1960-61-62) at Duke under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Murray. A two-year starter at guard, Markas helped the Blue Devils to a three-year record of 23-8 (.742) with three ACC championships, an appearance in the 1961 Cotton Bowl and three final national rankings in 1960 (Associated Press No. 10 & United Press International No. 11), 1961 (AP No. 20) and 1962 (UPI No. 14).
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As a senior in 1962, Markas served as team captain and earned honorable mention All-America honors after guiding Duke to a perfect 6-0 record in ACC play as the Blue Devils outscored their league opponents by a margin of 134-43.Â
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Markas is survived by his wife Brenda Ann Tolson-Markas and sons John Markas III (Linda) of Wilmington, N.C., and Lantz Tolson (Jenna) of McPherson, Kan.
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Memorial gifts may be made to The Iron Dukes at www.gifts.duke.edu/irondukes.Â
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