Ed Exler was a four-year letterman in football during his tenure at Denison.  Exler left Granville the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards with 3,953 before being surpassed by fellow Hall of Famer Chris Spriggs (1983-86).  In addition, Ed’s career rushing total stood in the Ohio Athletic Conference until 1993.  The senior captain led the OAC in rushing in 1970 (130.3 ypg) and 1972 (131.6), and was the team’s Most Efficient Offensive Back both of those years.  Exler was named the OAC Mike Gregory Award winner and earned second-team All-OAC honors in 1971.  In addition to leading the league in scoring average (9.6 ppg) as a senior, Ed was also a first-team All-OAC and AP All-American selection.

Exler also learned three letters in lacrosse while in Granville.  He helped lead the Big Red earn a berth in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association playoffs.