Bob Witowski

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 12, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Bob Witowski joins his brother Joseph (1993) and brother-in-law Stave Zarlinski (1984) as an inductee into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. His induction has been long overdue, especially considering hid many accomplishments for Kulpmont High School basketball.

Bob was a three-year starer for Coach Ed Stavenski’s Wildcats, playing in the old Keystone League. Even though his teams were only 27-27 over his three years, Bob did as much as anyone could to allow them to be successful. The 1958-59 team managed a nice 11-7 regular season record, eventually losing to a great Shamokin team by a 60-58 score in the Keystone League playoffs.

Witowski finished his career with 875 points and established himself as the all-time leading scorer, surpassing Joe Hanlon’s 727 from 1949-51. In 1957-58, Bob led all area scorers with a 17.3 point average. As a sophomore, Bob set a new point record for sophomores at Kulpmont, surpassing Kayo Poniatowski’s record from 1936. He also established a new free throw record by making 84 percent of his attempts, besting brother Joe’s 68 percent in 1953. His efforts earned him Associated Press and United Press International All State Honorable Mention following the 58-59 season.

Bob also played football for Coach Stavenski as a quarterback, tackle and safety. Following graduation, Bob would play at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and played on the Kansas Junior College Champions. He then went on to play at Yankton College on a team good enough to earn a spot in the NAIA National Championship Tournament in Kansas Citry. Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Yankton and a Masters of Science Degree from Iowa State University.

Witowski has worked at the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Communications Network, Carroll Community School District as an Economics and Government teacher and has also coached basketball and football.

As an educator, his areas of study and experience have been diversified to include many facets in research planning, promoting new programs, developing and implementing curriculum materials, coordinating and directing in-service workshops, and designing and analyzing survey questions.

Bob is the proud father of three daughters; Susan Hansen, Jill Witowski-DeLio, and Amy Robert. Bob and his wife Sherry make their home in Ames, Iowa.