University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame
Lawson "Buzz" Montsinger
- Induction:
- 2025
- Class:
- 1969
A local product from nearby JR Tucker High School, Lawson “Buzz” Montsinger’s impressive and inspiring journey started as a walk-on and ended as a scholarship captain who helped lead Spider football to one of the program’s all-time great triumphs.
Arriving in 1967 as a walk-on defensive end, he impressed as a student of the game who was tough, physical and athletic. Quickly earning a scholarship, “Buzz” would become a three-year starter and two-time All-Southern Conference standout in 1968 and 1969, when the Spiders captured back-to-back conference championships.
The 1968 season culminated with Richmond’s Tangerine Bowl victory over previously unbeaten Ohio University, in which Buzz contributed a key third down quarterback sack. During the regular season in a dominating 38-0 homecoming victory over VMI, he intercepted a pass and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown.
As a senior in 1969, Montsinger was named a team captain. During his three seasons, the Spiders were 16-3 in SoCon contests, including 6-0 against rivals VMI and William & Mary. He was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys but his professional career was cut short by injuries.
After graduating in 1970 with a degree in psychology, Buzz turned back to his other love, music, playing the saxophone with bands led by the likes of Steve Bassett, Robbin Thompson and Ron Moody. A tragic accident in 2006 left Buzz paralyzed, but through a long and difficult rehabilitation, he again showed his never-give-up attitude that served him so well during his playing days, continuing his music career and decades-long support of Spider Football.
Arriving in 1967 as a walk-on defensive end, he impressed as a student of the game who was tough, physical and athletic. Quickly earning a scholarship, “Buzz” would become a three-year starter and two-time All-Southern Conference standout in 1968 and 1969, when the Spiders captured back-to-back conference championships.
The 1968 season culminated with Richmond’s Tangerine Bowl victory over previously unbeaten Ohio University, in which Buzz contributed a key third down quarterback sack. During the regular season in a dominating 38-0 homecoming victory over VMI, he intercepted a pass and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown.
As a senior in 1969, Montsinger was named a team captain. During his three seasons, the Spiders were 16-3 in SoCon contests, including 6-0 against rivals VMI and William & Mary. He was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys but his professional career was cut short by injuries.
After graduating in 1970 with a degree in psychology, Buzz turned back to his other love, music, playing the saxophone with bands led by the likes of Steve Bassett, Robbin Thompson and Ron Moody. A tragic accident in 2006 left Buzz paralyzed, but through a long and difficult rehabilitation, he again showed his never-give-up attitude that served him so well during his playing days, continuing his music career and decades-long support of Spider Football.
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