Charles J. Jahant (1978) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Charles J. Jahant

Induction:
1978
Class:
1939

1905-09

Size does not make the man and Charles J. Jahant proved it during his lifetime.

The diminutive 5-1, 135-pounder arrived on the Buchtel College campus in 1905. After sitting out his required freshman season, Jahant started displaying his athletic prowess in basketball. During the first season of 1906-07, team captain Jahant led Buchtel to a mighty upset of eastern powerhouse Yale, 36-30, on January 1, 1907, in a packed Crouse gym.

As was written in the Buchtelite, “Jahant set things agoing by caging the first basket. He did not make as many baskets as Hugh Smith, yet he had the teamwork and that is what the crowd likes to see.”

In proceeding game, a 76-8 won over Ashland, Jahant scored his career high—10 goals. It wasn’t his offensive talents that earned him the respect of opponents and fans, it was his defensive play.

The first season Jahant only allowed his opposition one goal in seven games. And over his three-year career, Jahant scored 97 goals to his opponents mere 19.

“It is a record that will stand well any forward playing the game,” quoted the Buchtelite. “Future basketball players should look to Jahant as their ideal standard as a forward.”

Not only did Jahant play basketball but a season of football as well. Football had been disbanded in 1904 but was resumed again in 1908, on which Jahant played an end.

Six years after his graduation, Jahant and teammate Bob Iredell got together again (along with three other men) to found the General Tire and Rubber Company. Jahant retired in 1964 as senior Vice President of General after 55 years in the rubber industry.

A long-time board member at The University, Jahant was one of the original inductees into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1957. He passed away on November 14, 1975 at the ripe old age of 90.