Pete Milich (1978) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Pete Milich

Induction:
1978
Class:
1965

1960-64

When long time followers of Akron athletics and especially Zips’ soccer, undoubtedly the names that crop up are Stu Parry, the father of UA soccer, Fritz Kungl—three-time All-American, both Hall of Famers, and Pete Milich.

Soccer fans need only to check the record books to discover what caliber of a player Milich was during his four-year career spanning the year 1960 through 1963. Milich still owns six of the eight individual standards: Most goals one game—7 vs February State, 1962, most goals one season—31,1961, most goals career—85, 1960-63, most assists one season—13,1961, most points one season—44,1961 and most points career—119,1960-63.

Lettering all four years, the 6-0, 175-pound talent broke into the Zip starting line-up as a freshman, and he was never budged out. He earned first-team All-Ohio all four years, first-team All-Midwest three years, and in 1962 and 1963 was selected to the All-American squad.

During Milich’s tenure as UA’s right inside, a striker in today’s vernacular, the Zips captured the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Championship in 1960, 1961, and 1963. He co-captained that 1963 team.

The high-water mark of Milich’s career came in 1961. That season produced two such highlights. The first was the 3-2 victory over defending national champion, St. Louis, in the Acme-Zip game. Milich booted one of the three goals as UA halted the Billikens’ 15-game win streak.

“It was a distinctive accomplishment by the entire team,” Milich said.

By the season’s end, Milich had scored 31 goals to establish a new state scoring record and capture the nation’s top collegiate scorer honors with 44 points.