George Poschner

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George Poschner (born in 1920), was a former football end who played for the University of Georgia from 1939 to 1942. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he participated in the 1941 Orange Bowl and the 1942 Rose Bowl.[1]

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[edit] Collegiate football career

Poschner was born in Youngstown, Ohio,[2] and came to the University of Georgia as a result of the efforts of his good friend, Frank Sinkwich. When Sinkwich was recruited by Georgia, he accepted the scholarship on the condition that Poschner would be granted a scholarship as well.[3] Poschner earned All-America honors in 1942, and was selected in the eighth round of the 1943 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.[4] The most celebrated event in Poschner's collegiate career came when he caught two fourth-quarter passes from Sinkwich in a 21-10 win over Alabama in 1942.[1]

[edit] Military service

Poschner served in the U.S. Army in World War II, where he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Distinguished Service Cross.[5] On January 8, 1945, Poschner participated as a lieutenant in the Battle of the Bulge. While advancing into enemy territory, he was severely injured by machine-gun fire and did not receive medical treatment until two days later.[1] Poschner lost both legs and several fingers as a result of his injuries.[6][7] A New York Times report on Poschner's injuries observed, "His brilliant pass receiving added much to the reputation of All-America Frank Sinkwich, also of Youngstown, as a forward passer".[8] The news report added that "Poschner's mother advised Coach Wally Butts of her son's case".[8]

[edit] Legacy

Poschner was admired as much for his military valor and buoyant optimism as he was for his impressive achievements on the gridiron. In 1982, his former teammate, Frank Sinkwich, lauded him at a testimonial dinner held at Youngstown's Croatian Home. "Knowing George has made me stronger all my life", Sinkwich said.[9]

In his letter nominating Poschner to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Sinkwich wrote: "In my opinion, George Poschner is perhaps the greatest competitor of all time, both on and off the field. I have never known anyone with more courage on the football or the battlefield".[10] Poschner was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1982,[11] and the Orange Bowl Hall of Honor in 1985.[12]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Bassetti, John. "80-year-old veteran is link to football fame", The Vindicator, August 1, 1999. 
  2. ^ Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
  3. ^ Frank Sinkwich in the New Georgia Encyclopedia
  4. ^ 1943 NFL Draft
  5. ^ All American Bulldogs
  6. ^ LT Robert M. Barnhart, 45th Infantry Division
  7. ^ Kay Marshall, Community Heroes Series, Alabama Living, June 2003
  8. ^ a b "Georgia End Loses Legs", The New York Times, March 15, 1945. 
  9. ^ Perazich, Chuck. "Frank Sinkwich Lauded at Croatian Home Fete", The Vindicator, June 14, 1982. 
  10. ^ Perazich, Chuck. "Calls Youngstown's Poschner: 'An Example of Courage'", The Youngstown Vindicator, March 23, 1982, p. D-2. 
  11. ^ George Poschner entry in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
  12. ^ The Orange Bowl Hall of Honor