Thiel College Athletics

James DiMaria was a great pass receiver, an outstanding blocker and a standout on defense for Thiel football. His career began in 1947 when he helped the team to a fine 4-3 season. In 1948, the team posted another fine year with a 4-3-1 record. DiMaria was known throught the Tri-State Area for his fine fingertip catches, excellent blocking and tenacious defensive play. He played for Thiel’s third undefeated team in 1950. In 1951, he captained the Thiel Eleven to a 3-2-1 season. In his four years of football at Thiel, the teams compiled an impressive 18-8-2 record.

The 1950 season produced perhaps the finest Thiel football ever. To be judged outstanding on the 1950 team took an outstanding athlete and outstanding play. DiMaria was judged outstanding. The record book records only four touchdown catches for DiMaria during this year. He made a big touchdown catch in the 13-6 victory over Hiram. In the 20-7 win over Westminster, he caught the go-ahead touchdown and then caught his second of the game to cushion the lead. DiMaria was also a fine kicker and added many points after touchdowns onto the Thiel scores.

For his outstanding play during the 1950 season, DiMaria received the following honors: First Team End on the West Penn Class B Team, First Team All-District Class B, All-State (Small College), All-State (All Colleges) and Little All-American Honorable Mention.
 
In recognition for his many contributions to Thiel football during his career, he was named to an end position on the All-Time Thiel Football Team.