Phil Dienoff (1986) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Phil Dienoff

Induction:
1986
Class:
1932

1929-32
Track/Baseball/Basketball
‘32

He was short in stature, but big in heart an desire. Only 5 feet, 6 inches tall and slight in build, Phil Dienoff, a New York City east side native, and a name for himself in high school and college athletics. The son of a tailor, Dienoff came to Akron in 1919. While performing at South High School, Dienoff owned the City and Ohio record of 4:29 for the mile run. He first attended Syracuse University, where he missed making the 1928 Olympic team by one place in the 10,000 meter race. He transferred to Akron U in 1926 and would eventually earn eight letters—three in track, three in baseball and two in basketball before graduating in 1932. However, it was in track that he excelled. He established school records in the mile, two mile and three mile runs. His tow mile mark of 10 minutes flat, lasted until 1963 when Hall of Famer John Lovett ran 9:54.8. He went on to teach and coach at Garfield High School for 34 years—retiring in 1971. He coached the Garfield baseball team to 10 city titles, seven district championships and two regional crowns and his golf teams captured five city championships. Dienoff was a charter member in the Jewish Center Sports Hall of Fame in 1971 and a year later was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame. He passed away on April 15, 1982, at the age of 75.