Fred Hynoski

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 20, 2023
• Comments off

INDUCTEE

Fred Hynoski was a super high school football player, teaming with Jimmy Darrup to give Mount Carmel one of the best running back combinations ever to play for the Red and White.

However, it was as a college player that Fred really hit his stride. At the University of Cincinnati, Fred found the perfect showcase for his versatile talents. He was one of the last of the two-way players; guys who did everything on the football field.

He was the lone starting sophomore for the Bearcats when they opened the season against Hardin-Simmons…and he held onto the position for three years.

During that period he not only led the team in rushing; but also was the leading punt and kick-off returner and averaged 38.6 yards as the Bearcat punter. His particular specialty was the quick-kick. At that time. A team with a quick-kicker was at a tremendous advantage. IN one game against Air Force Academy, he gained 72 yards rushing, 59 in a final TD drive that ended up just short of victory for the Bearcats. And quick-kicks of 50, 50, and 40 yards kept the high powered offense of the Academy at bay keeping the score close until the end.

For that performance he was named Missouri Valley Conference Back of the week.

His versatility made him an outstanding threat anywhere on the field. As a senior he led the team in total offense, was second in rushing and was the leading scorer. He had a 77 yard punt return which was the Bearcat record at the time. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in both punting and punt and kickoff returns…and he was 20th in the nation in punting average.

He was voted All Conference Honorable mention as a junior; and was second team as a senior.

Fred’s entrance into our Hall is long overdue. He was an outstanding player who did it all against major competition.