Don was a 4-year letterman in football and track at CFHS. He also earned two letters in basketball. As a senior, he was an All-State Honorable Mention selection in football and won a full scholarship to the University of Michigan. He played varsity football at three universities and for the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. In track and field, he was a member of the 880-yard relay team which qualified for the state meet during his senior year. Don also excelled in the sport of boxing, before it was banned at Chagrin Falls High School in 1952, the year after he graduated.