Henry Duran

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 20, 2023
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INDUCTEE

Henry Duran earned 10 letters as a three-sport athlete at Kulpmont High School from 1941 through 1945. As starting left half back for Coach Mike Terry, Henry did most of the passing and all of the team’s punting. He was an excellent blocker who led the 44 team to an undefeated season.

After graduation, he was offered a number of athletic scholarships to continue his career as a college football player. He chose the University of Pittsburgh, where Clark Shaughnessy’s offense was perfectly suited for someone with his versatile talents. World War II intervened, and his career, like so many others in those days was cut short by being drafted into the service.

He played on the Army’s 7th Division team…and as quarterback and team captain had the opportunity to hone his athletic skills even farther. He received other scholarship offers as a result of his Army career; but he renewed his commitment to Pitt and returned there after his discharge. While at Pitt he sustained a serious hip injury which actually prevented him from getting into a three-point stance. A tailback who couldn’t get into a stance was just not suited for single wing football…and as a result he had to give up football at Pitt.

Despite the danger for further injury, he continued to play as a “semi pro” for a number of local teams. He moved to Maryland and became a member of the Maryland State Police. He later continued in the same field with Nationwide Insurance and General Motors before his retirement.