University of Dayton Athletics

Steve Palenchar, #62, was a three year (1957, 1958, 1959) letter winner as guard and linebacker for the University of Dayton’s football team.  In 1957 Palenchar won the spring award for Best Blocking Lineman and in 1958 he won Most Versatile Lineman.  A few highlights in Palenchar’s football career are that in the 1957 season he had one interception for 17 yards. In the 1958 season, Palenchar had two kickoff returns returned for 22 yards. In the 1959 season, he had two inceptions returned for 16 yards. Coach Bud Kerr said in 1959, “Steve is one of the best blockers and linebackers on any college team in the country.” As a senior, Palenchar was honored the Lieutenant Stanley Kurdziel Memorial Trophy as linemen of the year. This award formally was presented as the Most Valable Player in the Spring game. He was also elected honorary co-captain. 

After graduation, Palenchar became a freshman baseball mentor and taught courses in business and physical education at his high school alma mater, Benedictine High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He later became the assistant football coach at Gilmour Academy which is located near his hometown.