Dennis Lentini

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 20, 2023
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INDUCTEE

Dennis Lentini was a tremendous athlete, whose career was not given proper credit because he played on teams with other terrific athletes who got more headlines. But when you look at the record of his accomplishments, what emerges is the realization that he had one of the finest careers of any Mt. Carmel football player.

Coach “Jazz” Diminick called him an “instinctive” player who had a special feel for the game situation. In those years the “blitz” had not yet become a highly refined defensive technique; but Jazz said “we never had to tell him when to blitz…he seemed to sense the situation and “go” at just the right time.”

He started at linebacker for three years; and was All Conference each of the three. In 1968 he was All State on the undefeated championship team. He teamed with Bob Sacavage as a linebacker tandem on the great ‘68 team which shutout 7 of its 11 opponents. He was also a devastating blocker at the point as a tight end. His blocking was one of the major reasons the Mt. Carmel “stampede”, as the power sweep was called was the hallmark of those teams that featured the running of Bob Veach and Gary Diminick.

He also lettered 4 years in Track & Field, and was three-time District 4 shot put and discus champion. He was recruited by Frank Kush to play linebacker at Arizona State. His name is included whenever Tornado fans talk about the great defensive players of the past.