Ray Savage

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 3, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Ray “Herky” Savage graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1953 and considered himself to be one of Mike Terry’s boys – and proud of it! Ray was a three sport letterman while at Mount Carmel, earning monograms in football, baseball, and track. Although he only participated in track when he wasn’t playing baseball, “Herky” is most remembered as an outstanding runner. Ray ran for coach Gerry Breslin and was undefeated in the 440 yard dash in both his junior and senior seasons. He claimed Dist IV titles in both of those years and went on to represent Mount Carmel at the state track meet at State College. Ray also anchored High’s mile relay team at the Penn Relays in 1952 and made up almost 50 yards in his heat to bring home the Bronze Medal. Ray also co captained the Tornado squad during his senior year and posted a best time of 51.8 seconds in the 440, You have to remember that they ran on dirt or cinder tracks in those days and did very little in the way of speed training.

Savage started at center and linebacker for coach Terry during his junior season – a year in which the first Coal Bucket game took place with Shamokin. 1951 was also the year that Mount Carmel Two and Centralia joined with MC to form Mount Carmel Joint High School. During the track season good old Joe :Boss” recommended to Coach Terry that Savage ought to be receiving the ball instead of centering it. The move turned out to be a good one, as Savage led his team as a co captain and leading rusher. That team went on to a 9-2 record, and with its defeat of Shamokin, brought the coal bucket back to Mount Carmel for the first time.

Ray’s performance on the track and on the gridiron earned him a football scholarship to the University of Miami, where Ray was a halfback for two seasons. After college, Ray enlisted into the army and found himself playing quarterback for the 14th Armour Cavalry Regiment. His play led them to an 8-2 record and the Northern Division Crown. Following his discharge, Ray kept active in sports by umpiring PIAA high school and college baseball for more than 20 years. He also officiated PIAA basketball games for 20 years.

Ray now resides in Clarks Summit, Pa with his wife and son and two grandchildren.