Allan Hodakievic (1990) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Allan Hodakievic

Induction:
1990
Class:
1978

1975-76
Football
Defensive Tackle
‘78

In 1973, Al Hodakievic decided to leave Findlay College and transfer to The University of Akron. He hasn’t regretted that decision. It took Hodakievic, who had to sit out a year, another year to adjust to Akron’s style of play under Head Coach Jim Dennison. Along the way, Hodakievic had trials at offensive guard and defensive end before finally finding his niche at defensive tackle. The 6-4, 230-pounder, began the 1975 season as a starter on the right side. However, in the 27-21 victory over Western Michigan in the second game of the season. Hodakievic suffered a broken ankle and was sidelined the rest of the campaign Undaunted, the Cleveland Ohio native, who learned his football at Garfield Heights High School, was saving his best foe his senior season. Although participating as a NCAA II member, Akron’s 1976 schedule was laden with six Division I opponents. Despite that tough schedule, Hodakievic and 12 other seniors led UA to an excellent 8-2 regular season record. Enroute, Hodakievic paced the team with three fumble recoveries and accumulated 76 tackles-third best on the team. Impressed, the NCAA selection committee picked the Zips for the NCAA II playoffs. UA dispatched Nevada Las Vegas, 27-6, in the first round as the Hodakievic-led Zip defense limited the Rebels to only eight yards rushing for the game. UA then became the Knute Rockne Bowl Champions by downing the defending national champion. Northern Michigan, 29-26, in the first overtime contest in the NCA II history. One week later, UA’ s outstanding season came to an end in the national championship Pioneer Bowl—losing to Montana State, 24-13. In Wichita Falls, Texas. For his efforts, Hodakievic was rewarded by being voted the team’s Most Outstanding Lineman and the Associated Press gave him honorable mention All-America recognition. After a brief tryout with the Cleveland Browns, Hodakievic joined the teaching and coaching staff at Cleveland Central High School, where he has remained since 1979. After six years as defensive coordinator in football and head wrestling coach, Hodakievic was named head football coach in 1985. In 1988, Al was selected head coach of the East squad in the annual East-West Cuyahoga County All-Star Game. He and his wife, Rose Ann, are the parents of son, Daniel and daughter, Mary and reside in Twinsburg.