Daniel E. Chucoski
- Post by: mcalibrary
- January 12, 2024
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INDUCTEE
Sometimes it only takes one defining moment for an athlete to forever be remembered. Dan Chucoski had his moment during the MCA-Shamokin game in 1975.
The Indians had already clinched the Southern Division Championship and were riding a 10 game win streak. The Tornadoes, on the other hand, were struggling through a 7-3 season that saw them losing 3 of their last 4 games to Pottsville, Shenandoah, and Shikellamy. The Tornadoes were decided underdogs, but Coach Diminick had a plan and his players executed it to perfection. They were led by Danny’s outstanding game that saw him run 25 times for 150 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also had a pass reception for 14 yards and 1 PAT conversion for a total of 26 points in the 34-0 whitewash of the Division Champs. The win became that much sweeter when the Indians went on to defeat Dunmore for the Eastern Conference Championship. You have to realize that this was an offense that had Hall of Famer, Bob Zavarick and Joe Girolami. Only 10 players have scored more than Chucoski’s 26 in that game. In an interview only a few years ago, Coach Diminick in reflecting on the game said, “there was always great pride in tat game like today. I remember one of our players, the late Dan Chucoski, keeping the mud on his shoes from that game and never cleaning or getting rid of them.” It would be another nine seasons until the Indians beat the Red Tornadoes.
Dan was a solid performer for three years for Coach Dim, with substantial playing time during the 1973 undefeated, 12-0 Eastern Conference Championship season. During the ‘75 campaign, Dan led the Tornadoes with 823 yards rushing and 10 TD’s. He was also the 2nd leading tackler with 86. During his career, Dan had 232 carries for 1215 yards and 12 TD’s and had a terrific defensive career with 94 solo, 74 assisted, for a total of 168 tackles. Dan was named to the All Anthracite Team, the Susquehanna Valley team and Reading Eagle All Anthracite team. In addition to winning the Mike Terry Award fr his play in the Shamokin game, he was given the Len Eshmont Award at he annual Rotary Football Banquet.
Dan was also an outstanding pole vaulter for MCA track and field. In 1975, he had the region’s best height jump of 12’6”. “Chuckers” was voted “most handsome” in his Class of 1976 Carmelite, in addition to winning the Babe Ruth Award as the outstanding athlete in the class of 1976. Besides being a dedicated father and uncle, Dan spent most of his time doing the things he enjoyed like hunting, fishing, archery, off-roading and wood-working. He really enjoyed his craftsmanship and became quite a skilled wood worker. Dan was killed in a motorcycle accident on May 5, 1985 at the all too young age of 28. He is survived by proud sons Ian and Daniel, Jr. and was the son of the late Raymond (Peck) and Yolanda Chucoski and sister of Judy Hummel.