An All-American halfback at the University of Notre Dame in 1943, he was called “the best back I ever coached” by storied Head Coach Frank Leahy. Had punting average of 49.2 yards as a sophomore, rushed for 5.9-yard average as a junior. Was a #1 pro football draft choice, but passed up the game to attend law school at Yale University. Was seventh member of famed family to play for the Fighting Irish.
A three-year all-scholastic football star at Cleveland South High, he an All-American center for Ohio State University in 1935, playing in only one losing game in three years for the Buckeyes. Became head football coach and athletic director at Oklahoma University in 1964 after 16 years as line coach, during which he produced 16 All-Americans. Also coached at John Carroll, Ohio State and Nebraska Universities.
Nicknamed “Dynie,” short for dynamite, he started his football career as captain of the West Tech Junior High team. He later played tackle for the West Tech High varsity from 1922 to 1924 and is considered one of the school’s all-time greats. Became outstanding lineman at Wisconsin University and, later, a coach there.
Played one year (1950) with Cleveland Browns before moving to Detroit Lions where he was a star placekicker and linebacker from 1951 to 1961. Played for Baltimore in 1963 and Washington in 1964, then turned to coaching, first with Denver of the AFL (1965), then Idaho State University (1966) and the Lions (1967-72). Captained the unbeaten 1949 Notre Dame University team, was All-American at both end and tackle during four year career. Played high school ball at Cleveland East Tech
Star running back for Buffalo Bisons (1946) and Buffalo Bills of the All-American Football Conference, leading the Bills in rushing three straight years (1947 through 1949). Finished his career with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League in 1950, leading the club in rushing and pass receiving. Was an All-Ohio collegiate star at Xavier University, after a memorable career at Cleveland Cathedral Latin High School, where he was an all-scholastic quarterback.
Starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in the first game in the team’s history, played September 6, 1946, against the Miami Seahawks. Later switched to defensive backfield with advent of the two-platoon system and became an outstanding safety. Was a great three-sport star at Lakewood High School, earning all-scholastic honors in football and baseball and starring on the basketball team and went to the finals of 1941 state tournament. Went on to play college football at Duke University.
Member of the first Cleveland Browns football team. Played in ten professional football championship contests was named all-pro end eight times. Played on Ohio State University’s 1942 national championship team before going into the U.S. Army. Decided to forego balance of college career in favor of pro football, basketball and baseball at Hudson (Ohio) High School. Inducted into Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
Boating editor for The Cleveland Plain Dealer since 1943, editorial writer for Mid-American Boating News since 1970, he helped organize the Marine Trades Association and the Mid-America Boat Show. Was also a founder of the Great Lakes Historical Society in 1944 and helped establish I-LYA’s Junior Race Week in 1956.
A skilled sabreman, Thomas Legeza captured a total of 38 medals during a competitive career which stretched from 1953 through 1965. His most notable triumphs included two international invitational championships, four Ohio titles and one Illinois championship.
Between 1952 and 1968 Musichuk won 18 epee championships, including divisional, Ohio, Midwest, Canadian Heroes and national Polish Falcons titles. In all he won 50 medals and fenced on teams which finished third nationally in 1957 and second in 1958. Also served as chairman of the Northern Ohio Division of the Amateur Fencers League of America for three years.