Robert Frank York

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 11, 2024
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INDUCTEE

As the years pass, the game of football seems to change every year. There are specialists for everything – pass rushers, third down receivers, nickel backs, run stoppers, short yardage backs, and all types of kickers. In the late 60’s Bob York became one of the first-ever specialists at Mount Carmel Area. He brought new attention to kickers. He led the way for many others – Brokenshire, Noreen, Adams, Soboleski – in finding their niche in what was Tornado football.

In 1968, York would kick 43 of 54 extra point attempts as the Tornadoes made their way through their first undefeated regular season since 1954 and would go on to their first of three straight Southern Division Championships. The 43 points represented the most by a kicker at Mount Carmel since the great Wally Diehl had kicked 41 in 1921. It was also the most points by any kicker in the Anthracite Region that year. During the season, Bob went 7 for 7 against Minersville and Shenandoah. The only player who ever kicked for more was Diehl. York also established new career marks at MCA with 72 PAT’s surpassing Diehl’s 60. His season total of 43 still ranks 4th today, while his career total is 3rd on the MCA all time list.

He was named to the Reading Eagle All Anthracite team and Harrisburg Patriot News All Star team following the 68 season.

Bob took his kicking abilities to East Stroudsburg University where he won four letters as the varsity kicker and punter. Bob helped his teams to a 21-18 record over 4 years with his 17 career field goals. He had a long of 42 yards and a 35 yard game-winner against Lafayette. He finished second in the Pennsylvania Conference in punting in 1972 with a 40.2 yard average.

Realizing that specialties could work for him, Bob participated in track for coach Gerry Breslin while at MCA. He established a new school and stadium record with his 6’2″ high jump and was the Southern Conference Champion in 1969. He placed second in District IV and won the first-ever State Indoor Championship in 1969

He continued participating in track at East Stroudsburg with bests of 6’61/2″ in the high jump, 21’4″ in the long jump, and 43’8″ in the triple jump. At the conclusion of the track season, Bob was awarded his 8th varsity letter as a member of the East Stroudsburg football and track teams. His specialties have now made him special – an Ed Romance Chapter Hall of Famer.

Bob lives is West Chester with his wife Janice and son Cody,16 and is the Sales Manager for Zep Manufacturing. He is a huge Red Tornado fan, and although he lives 2 hours away, gets to see most of the Tornado action. He and his son, Cody, and fellow hall of famers Gary Howanec and John Halcovich are responsible for the sign depicting the Tornado wins atop the press box at the Silver Bowl.