Edward “Red” Kaminski

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 11, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Ed Kaminsky’s induction into the Ed Romance Lower Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is long overdue. Ed was one of the premier athletes of his time as a football star at Kulpmont High School. Ed’s credentials include a number of firsts, established during his athletic career. He was the first person in Kulpmont sports history to be named first team all state by the Philadelphia Record. All state teams were first recognized in 1939 and Edward was named to the 1940 team as a first team tackle. His selection is even more noteworthy since the Wildcats of coach Mike Terry suffered through a 2-9 record during the ‘40 campaign. In his release of the all-state team, Philadelphia Record sportswriter, Here Good, stated that most Anthracite coaches rated Ed above the previous year’s all state tackle and then placed him ahead of the number one tackle out of western Pennsylvania, Charley Davidson. After that season, Ed is believed to be the only person from Kulpmont to be offered a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. He was recruited by first year coach Frank Leahy, who would be one of the most productive coaches in Fighting Irish history with his 5 National Championships.

Red’s playing days were cut short because of World War II, but, after his discharge found his way to the University of San Francisco. It was there, as a senior for first-year coach Joe Kuharick, that he was recognized as one of the finest players in the country during the season of 1948. He was there at the beginning of the Dons finest years that culminated in the 1951 team being touted as one of the best in the country. Players like Gino Marchetti, Ollie Matson, and Bob St Clair, were part of the Green and Gold revitalization under Kuharick. Kuharick’s camp was generally believed to be the toughest in the country, with those who made his team called “Kuharick’s Survivors”. Following that ‘48 season, Ed was invited by the Westwood Sporting Club to participate in the East-West Hawaiian Benefit Classic in Hawaii where they played two games. Following graduation, Ed was drafted by both the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League, but chose to enter the work force.

Ed was employed by the law firm of J. Francis Shirley and as a private investigator. He made his home in Dale City, California with his wife Gen, where he also coached at Westmoor High School. He would help them to 4 North Peninsula League titles. After retirement, Ed would settle in Lucerne, CA and enter politics. He served 3 terms on the Lake County Board of Directors for Parks and Recreation before his death in July of 2001.