Albert “Bert” Jones

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 3, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Nine varsity letters in three different sports. Not bad for a great high school athlete, except we’re talking about a college athlete! Today’s inductee, Bert Jones, did just that at Gettysburg College from 1929 thru 1933. You must also consider that freshman in those times were not allowed to participate in varsity athletics. Bert participated in football, basketball and track during his time at Gettysburg and was elected as team captain of the basketball team.

In 1929, Jones served as a player and coach for the Natalie Buffaloes, a semi-pro basketball team. As he returned to Gettysburg in 1933 to finish up some teaching credits, Bert played for a semi-pro basketball team called the Fleetwoods in and around the Gettysburg area.

Bert’s athletic career began to take shape while he was a student at Mount Carmel High School in the 20s. It was as a basketball player here where Bert excelled. He was the leading scorer for the Tornado basketball team in both his junior and senior seasons. Jones has the distinction of playing in Mount Carmel basketball’s 100th career victory in its 33-28 win over Shenandoah on Feb. 19, 1926. His starting five in his senior season for Coach Ray Singley consisted of Jones, Masciantonio, Singley, Ambrose and Dallabrida; all names still recognized today as part of Mount Carmel’s history.

In 1927, Jones decided to try out for a position with the Tornado football team. He began the season as starting right halfback and moved over to quarterback halfway through the season. That season was the 1927 State Championship campaign which saw tiny Mount Carmel come out victorious over mighty Bellefonte 7-6. Jones, George Homiak and Ed Sarisky are believed to be the only living members of that outstanding football team.

In 1934, Jones returned to Mount Carmel as head coach of the Red Tornadoes. He posted a 19-10-4 record over the next 3 seasons. He also served as head basketball coach here in 1934. Today, Jones is the oldest living former Mount Carmel football coach.

In 1938, Jones served as the head basketball coach at Perkiomen and did double duty as sports official. 1939 brought Jones to Springfield in Delaware County where he became the head football and basketball coach. His 1944 football team went on to a perfect season. He later served as athletic director at the school, and even filled in as the tennis and golf coach when he – the athletic director – couldn’t find someone to do the job. Bert continued as an official for football and basketball until his retirement in 1973.

Bert is married to the former Mary Leisenring; and they are parents of one child, Al and grandparents of two boys. Jones now resides in the Danville area.