Ferdinand "Fritz" Kungl (1975) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Ferdinand "Fritz" Kungl

Induction:
1975
Class:
1967

INAUGURAL CLASS
1958-62
Forward/Halfback

Along with his head coach Stu Parry, Ferdinand “Fritz” Kungl helped put Akron on the map as a soccer power in the early years of the sport. UA’s well-traveled inside forward-halfback learned to play soccer in Hungary.

Prior to coming to the United States in 1952, Kungl honed his skills in Germany.

Before entering the University at 23 years of age, Kungl served three years as an apprentice machinist and served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Right away Kungl made his presence known as the Zip booters went from 3-1-1 record to its best mark in four years of the sport on campus-nine wins in 10 matches. With that mark came Akron’s first four straight Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Championships. Although only scoring six goals and adding two assists, Kungl earned second team All-America honors as halfback.

Kungl missed the 1959 season but returned to lead Akron to a 10-1 mark in 1960, 12-2 in 1961, and 5-4-1 in 1962. Switching to left inside, Kunlg enjoyed his most offensive season in 1960, booting 17 goals, to lead the team, and assisting on eight others. He earned honorable mention All-America honors.

As a senior, Kungl accorded his highest tribute of his career– first-team All-America accolades. During his four-year career, Kungl accounted for 36 goals and 18 assists, was named All-Ohio and All-Midwest all four years and earned the Most Valuable Player Awards for the 1960 and 1962 seasons.