Provenza, Russell D.

Russell D. Provenza – (1998)

 

If Lorain High School sports historians were to make a list of the most punishing football runners in school history, Atty. Russell D. Provenza’s name would be near the top.

Despite his relatively modest 5-10, 175-pound frame, former Lorain Journal Sports Editor Vince Sikora recalled how Provenza loved contact, often dragging would-be tacklers with him. He led Lorain with a 5.5 yards rushing average in 1953 when the Steelmen (4-3-2) were forced to play a major independent schedule after LHS departed the Lake Erie League a year earlier.

Art Lave, who coached LHS to a 61-32-7 record over 11 seasons (1949-59), said he “would recommend Russ for induction (into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame) any day.” This came after graduation had decimated the Steeler football squad and he was forced to not only build his offense around Provenza, but also utilized him defensively, as well.

Provenza personally ended a five-year losing streak to arch-rival Sandusky in 1953, making key blocks at fullback and rushing for 95 yards in 11 carries and scoring on a 47-yard run in a shockingly easy 31-0 Steeler romp. Against powerful Parma, he rushed for 123 yards in 14 carries, scoring on a clutch 39-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to gain a 18-18 standoff. In their traditional season finale with Elyria, he led the way to a 46-0 rout and a winning season.

Although Provenza could have played regularly at several Mid-American Conference schools that wanted him, he chose Ohio State University because he wanted to play for Coach Woody Hayes. How much? He impressed the legendary coach enough to make the OSU freshman team as a non-scholarship “walk-on” player in 1954.

Although Woody used him sparingly, one need only look at the talent-laden Buckeyes during Provenza’s tenure at OSU. Among his teammates were the likes of: All-American and 1955 Heisman Trophy winner Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, future All-Pro Jim Parker, Bob White, Jim Marshall, Jim Houston and Galen Cisco. Provenza’s personal pride was earning his varsity letter with the 1957 Big Ten Conference and Rose Bowl champion Buckeyes who, incidentally, were declared National Champions.