Tom DeMarco (1990) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Tom DeMarco

Induction:
1990
Class:
1971

1969-70
Football
Lineman
‘71

According to his position, Jim Dennison, Tom DeMarco was “a big-time player who could have played on any of our great teams.” When one studies the facts, Dennison’s remarks are well taken. Recruited in 1966 by Dennison, who at the time UA’s offensive line coach, DeMarco, an outstanding prospect out of Berea Midpark High School, decided to play his college football at Indiana University instead of Akron. For DeMarco, he couldn’t have picked a better time to go to Indiana, because in 1967, the Hoosiers, under Johnny Pont compiled a 9-1 record and captured the Big Ten Championship which earned IU its one and only Rose Bowl berth. California, 14-3 and saw enough action during the season to earn a letter. Despite all that success, DeMarco, who had in the meantime gotten married and fathered a son, was not happy in Hoosier land. He contacted Dennison and in 1968 transferred to UA. Ironically, in 1985, Dennison recruited DeMarco’s son, Scott, to play football for the Zips. After sitting out the 1968 season as a transfer, DeMarco quickly asserted himself at the starting ling tackle on one of Akron’s greatest teams. While breaking 32 all-time UA records, the Zip gridders won nine of 10 games against what was considered, up to that time, the toughest schedule ever. At 6-4, 240 pounds, DeMarco was the largest lineman on the UA squad in 1979 and ’70 and as a result, a domineering influence on the front line. Switching to short side tackle in 1970, DeMarco, who’s quick feet and solid one-on-one blocking were his greatest attributes, helped UA compile a fine 7-3 record. His personal efforts did not go unrewarded as he was selected honorable mention All-America by the Associated Press. Since graduating in 1971, DeMarco taught and coached football at Brunswick High School and dabbled in the real estate profession for a couple of years. In 1980, he joined the Allstate Insurance Company, became a sales manager and received the prestigious Key Manager Award in 1983, ’85, ’87 and ’88. DeMarco and his wife, Julee, are parents to Scott, Tom, Gina, Bryan and Joey. The DeMarco’s reside in Medina.