Joseph Greco
- Post by: mcalibrary
- December 18, 2023
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INDUCTEE
Joe Greco, Jr., was one of the leaders in the “First Wave” of great Joe Diminick teams. AS a sophomore he was part of Mike Terry’s last team in 1961. That team was already showing its promise by going 8-2-1. After the untimely death of Coach Terry, Jazz Diminck took over and the squad was 18-3-1 over the next two seasons. Joey was the region’s leading scorer and Honorable Mention All State and Big 33 in 1963, when the only blot on the team’s record was a heartbreaking 14-6 loss to Pottsville.
Joe was also a Track standout. He was Southern Division Champion in both 180 Low and 120 High Hurdles; and held school records in both events at time of graduation.
He received a full scholarship to Villanova University. As a 3-year starter at Defensive Back he led the Wildcats in interceptions. At the end of his career there he held records for most interceptions in a season, most interceptions in a career and most yards returned after interceptions. He ranked 5th in the nation in interceptions and was voted by both All State and All East as a Defensive Back. His approach to the game was extremely cerebral; and he played his position with elegance and intelligence. These attributes carried over into his coaching style where he has also achieved success.
After college he returned to Mount Carmel as an assistant to Joe Diminick for two separate periods: 1968-1971 and 1975-1978. In between those assignments he was an Assistant Track and Football Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Susquehanna University; and for one year was an Assistant Football Coach under Jim Weaver at his Alma Mater, Villanova University.
Joe is presently affiliated with his brother, Dr. Jeff Greco, as a nationally certified Physicians Assistant here in Mount Carmel. He still takes athletics very seriously as Chairman of the Athletic Committee of the Mount Carmel Area Board of Education. He has three sons, Gary, a freshman at Penn State University; Doug, a member of the current Tornado Team; and Joe, an upcoming 8th grader.