Peter (War-Horse) Avizienis

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 19, 2023
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INDUCTEE

Big Pete Avizienis was one of the first “Three-Sport Stars” at Mount Carmel High School in the early ‘30’s. He was unusually big for a teenager, especially in those days. AS a Sophomore he was over 6 feet tall and exceeded 200 pounds. He showed great early promise in all three sports.

AS a Junior he led a basketball team that was one of the best in school history. That team won 13 games and lost only to Mahanoy Area, a traditional region basketball power.

He competed in all the weight events as a trackman; but as a shot putter he was particularly proficient, and won the State Championship with a record 44 foot 1 inch heave in 1933.

Big Pete was part of the construction crew that dug holes for the light towers at the new stadium which opened in 1932.

He was a terrific Football Lineman under Coach Walter “Bull” Levine and his size and athletic talent made him a prize cathch for the college coaches. He chose the University of Pittsburg, coached by the legendary John B. (Jock) Sutherland. He did well for the Panthers initially, but was unable to complete a college career because of an injury. He eventually died from a brain tumor.

Big Pete was one of the best ever at Mount Carmel. And he was joined by a great group of teammates which included Joe Paskevich, Tom Vershinski, Ray Green, Frank Ososki and Frank Merges.