John Koniszewski

Koniszewski was born in 1921 in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, and attended Dickson City High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball.[1] He attended George Washington University in Washington, DC, from 1939 to 1943. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in education and again played football, basketball, and baseball. He received All-Southern Conference honors in football and basketball.[1]

He briefly played professional baseball for the Scranton Red Sox during the summer of 1943.[2] Koniszewski then served as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. During the Battle of Saipan, he was struck in the shoulder by Japanese machine-gun fire. He reportedly returned to the battle after receiving medial treatment and "a brief rest."[3]

After the war, Koniszewski played professional football as a tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins during the 1945, 1946, and 1948 season. He appeared in 27 NFL games, 14 as a starter.[4] He played in the 1945 NFL championship game, which the Redskins lost to the Cleveland Rams.[5] His top salary while playing in the NFL was $5,000.[5] He did not play for the Redskins in 1947 in order to run for Lackawanna County Sheriff,[5] though he did play one game for the Wilkes-Barre Barons of the American Football League in 1947.[4]

After his playing career ended, Koniszewski worked for 18 years as a coach at the University of Scranton. He began as an assistant football coach for 12 years and also as freshman basketball coach. He also received a master's degree in education at the University of Scranton. He became Scranton's head football coach in 1964. He also served as Scranton's head basketball coach for one year.[6][7]

Koniszewski was married for 53 years to Theresa Lagvanec. After his coaching career ended, he was the athletic and recreation director at Clarks Summit State Hospital for 34 years.[7][1] He died in 2003 at his home in Peckville, Pennsylvania.[1]