Urbanic, Mike

Mike Urbanic – (2005)

 

Mike Urbanic was blessed with excellent athletic genes and he displayed this fine ability in his own career. His father, Chuck Sr., and brother, C. “Bucky” Urbanic are already enshrined in the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame . They were preceded into the Hall of Fame by his uncles, John, Ludwig and Stan Pincura, who were outstanding football players at Penn State, Western Maryland and The Ohio State Universities.

His career and development started at Whittier Junior High under Coach Bill Stelzer. Mike provided the power running in leading Whittier to the 1958 Junior High football championship.

Mike’s career continued at Lorain Senior High School with the opportunity to play for his father who was head football coach. He was a power fullback and dependable pass receiver for the Steelmen in his sophomore and junior years.

With the opening of the new Admiral King High School in 1961, Mike joined the Admirals for his senior year, playing under Coach Tony Misko. He was elected team co-captain and was a mainstay on offense, leading the team with over 600 rushing yards for a 4.9 average, over 200 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns and extra points for a total of 70 points. He was an All-League halfback selection and received U.P.I. All-Ohio Honorable Mention.

His versatility was demonstrated as he also lettered in basketball, baseball and track. Mike was a role model student – athlete, receiving numerous college scholarship offers before selecting Dartmouth College, in the Ivy League, to play for Coach Bob Blackman.

Dartmouth was the Ivy League champ in 1963 with a 7-2 record and Mike played as a sophomore with 6.3 yards per carry with two touchdowns. As a junior, he was the starting fullback and was the second leading rusher with 279 yards for a 5.4 yard average with three touchdowns. The 1965 team was unbeaten with a 9-0 record, earning them the Ivy League championship as well as being awarded the Lambert Trophy as the best college team in the East. Mike was the blocking fullback, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with one touchdown.

Mike graduated from Dartmouth College in 1965 with an AB in History. He retired from Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, Mn. in 2001 as a corporate vice-president, and currently resides in Naples Fl., with his wife Joyce.

*WELCOME, MIKE URBANIC, INTO THE LORAIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME*