Joe Mazzaferro (1976) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Joe Mazzaferro

Induction:
1976
Class:
1954

1949-52
Guard | Linebacker

Playing on losing squads at The University of Akron from 1950-52, Joe Mazzaferro became the first Zip football player to be named to the All-Ohio or All-Ohio Conference squads three consecutive seasons.

Despite his slight size– 5-foot-9, 165 pounds– Mazzaferro was a two-way standout, starting at guard and linebacker, earning him the nickname of the Minerva Mauler. He was the team co-captain in 1951 and ’52 and was named outstanding lineman each season.

Indicative of his stellar performance in a losing effort was a 1951 game against Kent State. Though the Zips lost 34-14, Mazzaferro made 21 tackles – a school record that still stands. He made 93 tackles that season, a record that stood until 1975.

Mazzaferro also was a three-year letterwinner in baseball at Akron, batting .349 for his college career.

He was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.