Members
Inductee
SITKO, EMIL “RED”
SITKO, EMIL “RED”
Born on September 7, 1923
Fort Wayne, IN
December 15, 1973.
Inducted On
Location Inducted
Richmond, IN (Posthumously)
Region Number
3
Fw Central
Player
Fort Wayne Central
1942
Played varsity football, basketball, and track; recruited by Coach Frank Leahy to attend Notre Dame, but entered military service during WW II.
University of Notre Dame
1950
Entered ND after military service at age 23 and led Irish in rushing four straight years 1946-1949; in that time, Irish did not lose a game; Sporting News and Football Writers Association All-America Teams 1948; won Tom Harmon's All-American Back Trophy; in 1949, named All-American by Chicago Tribune, The Sporting News, Spectator Club, and Extension Magazine; named Grantland Rice All-American; Touchdown Club All-American Outstanding Back; won Walter Camp Award as outstanding college player 1949; rushed 346 yards in 1946, 426 yards in 1947, 742 yards in 1948, and 712 yards in 1949; in four years, had 26 touchdowns and carried ball 363 times, gaining a total of 2,226 yards, an average of 6.2 yards per carry; Sports Editor of South Bend Tribune tabbed him with famous nickname "Six-Yard Sitko."
Inducted into National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, posthumously, in 1984.
Professional Athletic Background: Was drafted in first round by Los Angeles Rams 1946, but did not turn pro until finished with college career; played for San Francisco 49ers 1950 and Chicago Cardinals 1951 and 1952, retiring from football after 1952 season.
