Sports Stew: Looking back at All-State honorees and All-Americans

By WAYNE STEWART

For MVI Sports

Over many football seasons here in the Mon Valley, local football programs have had its great players honored. Here’s a tribute to some of those athletes from long ago — with apologies to Belle Vernon Area High School and their recent gridiron domination, we’ll limit the scope to stars who played prior to the start of the 21st century.

All of the data used here is from Pennsylvania Football History.

Parade magazine chose an All-American high school team for many years, beginning in 1963, and three Valley players earned a spot on their squads.

The first was standout tackle Bill Urbanik of Donora High School’s Class of 1964. He went on to play for national champion Ohio State in 1968 and later coached and scouted in the NFL. Ironically, somehow he was overlooked in polls when it came to inclusion on various All-State teams.

His brother Tom, a jackhammer of a fullback, made two Third-Team All-State lists in 1958. He went on to star at Penn State University.

The only two Dragons to earn First Team All-State status were both rugged runners. “Deacon” Dan Towler, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns twice, rushing yards and yards per game once and the other was Malcom Lomax.

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