The Van Dusen began as the "Northern Leage" in 1908 by Dr. Fred Vand Dusen, a former principal of OFA. He, along with the principals from Canton, Goveneur, Malone, Massena, Potsdam, and Norwood were part of the league. Van Dusen was the president until 1922.

In 1924 the new principal of OFA, Scott Brown, inaugurated a track and field meet known as the Van Dusen Memorial. The Van Dusen has grown to become one of the longest running meets in New York State with teams from all over the state although it only started with eight teams.