Dirk A. Berezovske
- Post by: mcalibrary
- January 11, 2024
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INDUCTEE
As Coach Joe Jazz Diminick refined and tweaked his new “Monster-Chuckers” defense in the early 70’s, he needed a player to man the new “invert” or “monster” position. He would have to be fast as a corner, as tough as a linebacker, have the ability to make open field tackles, and hopefully have a mean streak. Dirk Berezovske had all of the attributes and would go on to define the position for many years after he was gone. Number 45 would be the defensive leader during the 71 and 72 seasons and would help lead the Tornadoes to 12-0 record in 1972 and an Eastern Conference Crown. Coach Diminick made him the Troy Polamalu of his time in that he was given the freedom to blitz or drop back and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
Dirk was named the outstanding defensive player in the West Hazleton and Minersville games; and, in addition to being named co-captain, was also given the Ed Romance and Bobby Pizzoli Awards following the 72 season. Despite interest from many college programs, Dirk chose to take a grant-in-aid to the University of Pennsylvania and played football for Coach Harry Gambel through his sophomore season. He would go on to earn a B.A. in Economics from the U. of P. in 1977.
During the spring, Dirk ran track for the legendary Gerald Breslin and would run the 220, 440, 880 yard real, mile relay, and medley relay. As a sophomore, Dirk ran with Henry Hynoski, Rob Anderson, and Eugene Olear on a mile relay team that would post a second place finish at the prestigious Penn Relays. He would go on to win 2 District IV gold medals in the 440 and mile relay, thereby qualifying for the PIAA State Championship meet. Berezovske was undefeated in dual meets in the 440 as a junior and suffered only one defeat as a senior. He would add four League and five Mount Carmel Relay Championships to his total and would post a 51.4 best in the 440. MCA was undefeated in dual meets during his time from 1971 thru 1973.
Following graduation from Penn, Dirk would go on to earn an M.B.A. from LaSalle University and has coached youth baseball and soccer for the past 13 years in Whitpain Township, WRA, in Blue Bell, PA. He is currently a Product Line Specialist for the Liberty Mutual Group Alternative Markets Division. Dirk lives in Blue Bell with his wife, the former Kim Zerby, and two children, Kristen – a senior at Wissahickon High School – and Dirkm Jr. – a seventh grader at Wissahickon Middle School.