Trusock’s followed in his father’s footsteps by attending the same university in 1970. Trusock joined Michigan Tech not only as a student but also as Michigan Tech’s football offensive center number 51. He originally arrived at the college to study electrical engineering as his father did, but would later create his own path by switching his studies to biosciences.

While playing for Michigan Tech Trusock assisted Tech in winning two first places in 1970 and 1972 and two second places in 1971 and 1973 in the Northern Intercollegiate Conference.

During his football career Trusock was a three-time All–Northern-Intercollegiate Conference selection from 1971 through 1973. His senior year saw Trusock earn a spot on the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America First Team.

Trusock received the Omar LaJeunesse Award for exceptional academic performances three times. His participation in Michigan Tech football would be recognized further when he was inducted to the University’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

The late Dr. Bruce Trusock is shown in this publicity photo as a member of the Michigan Tech football team in the 1970s. (Photo Courtesy of Michigan Tech University)

The impact of the loss of this sports legend was shared by the University’s Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Suzanne Sanregret.

“We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Dr. Bruce Trusock,” she said. “As a Michigan Tech graduate, former football student-athlete and avid Huskies sports fan, his passion for the Huskies was reflected in so many aspects of his life. For over 40 years, he was an essential part of advancing sports medicine coverage for Michigan Tech Athletics, always going above and beyond to ensure the health, safety and success of our student-athletes. His tireless dedication, boundless compassion and commitment to our community were unparalleled. Bruce’s influence reached far beyond the field, and while we will miss him dearly, his legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.”

After his years at Michigan Tech Trusock attended Michigan State University for Medical School. After med school, he chose to return to Houghton for his practice.

In 1981 Trusock was the first physician to set up a new private practice in Houghton in 25 years.

While practicing as a physician he would also work on the sidelines of nearly every Michigan Tech sporting event as the on-hand medical professional while he cheered for the Huskies.

Michigan Tech would honor Trusock further by awarding him a Silver Medal in 2018.

The Silver Medal is reserved for Michigan Tech graduates whose social and professional accomplishments exhibit what the University deems to be an outstanding example for its students.

Trusock practiced at UP Health System-Portage and Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center (UGLFHC). Chief Executive Officer of UGLFHC Donald Simila said Trusock was not only a coworker but also close friend to those with whom he worked.

“He was admired by anybody and everybody that came in contact with him at the office,” Simila said.

“He was a compassionate physician and extraordinary human being.”

Dr. Douglas McKenzie was also a colleague of Trusock who worked with him up to the year 2000 and recalled Trusock’s devotion to his patients.

“I know he had lots of friends in the community and he was always delightful and knowledgeable,” McKenzie said.