Hall of Fame
A two-sport star, Jerry Smoyer earned four letters in football as an offensive halfback and defensive back and four letters in track as a dash man during his collegiate career from 1958-1962.
Labeled the “Clairton Flash,” the 5-foot-8, 155-pound Smoyer was one of head coach Jack Behringer’s more versatile weapons as he saw extensive action as a running back, pass receiver and kick returner throughout his career.
As a junior, “Smo” was co-recipient of the Jim Cross Memorial Trophy for his outstanding play in the 1960 Homecoming football game against Allegheny. He made nearly half of the secondary tackles for the Wolverines and added 70 yards in the ground attack.
The following spring as high-point man, he earned Most Valuable Performer honors and the Sprinting trophy at the West Penn Track and Field Championships.
Smoyer excelled in both the 100- and 220-yard dashes and either led off or anchored the mile relay team.
The speedster tallied an overall record of 45 wins, nine seconds, and three thirds in dual-meet competition while leading the track team in scoring in each of his four years. Smoyer anchored Grove City’s record-setting 880 and mile relay teams in 1960.
He graduated with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and retired from U.S. Steel Corp. after 34 years of service.
