Jack Barilaric – (1983)

JACK BARILARIC

“Yak” was his name and basketball his game.

During the early 1930s “Yak” starred as a forward for the Lorain Hi team. Not a prolific scorer, he had a penchant for last minute heroics. His frequent game winning shots prompted The Journal’s Johnny Dunn to label him “Climax.”

After graduation “Yak” continued his hardwood play with the Ebinger Coals, Kohlmyer Hardware and the superlative Pennzoil team. The Pennzoil aggregation was considered one of the finest ever in the Lorain County area.

Several teams in the highly regarded Cleveland League beckoned for “Yak’s” services. He chose to play with the Ace Box Lunches. Their battles with Mel Riebe’s Chase Brass five were the classics of the late thirties. “Yak” made the All Star team two years running. In 1937 the Ace Box Lunches won Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Amateur Championships. It was then on to the National AAU tournaments and a disappointing loss in the finals at Denver, Colorado.

“Yak” has fond memories of the year he spent barnstorming the U.S. as a forward with the House of David five. He vividly recalls his participation against the Original Celtics aggregation.

Many years were spent with the Serbu Sports Club. In baseball and softball “Yak” was a “sewer” at third base. On the football field he starred at end.

Always a team player, “Yak” has three individual accomplishments; in golf he has stroked two “holes in one” and in a state bowling tournament he blasted the maples for a 300 game