Thiel College Athletics

John Stoeber said that John Vitale “is a very capable and reliable ball player. He has a fine personality and is an above-average student and athlete. He played sports for me for four years and I was proud to be his coach.”

Vitale played on the 1940 and 1941 football teams as well at the 1940-1943 basketball teams. He was a member of the undefeated 1941 football team. His college education was interrupted by his service in the war. Upon returning to Thiel, he led the 1946 football team to an undefeated season, serving as co-captain and playing offensive tackle and end. He captained the basketball team that same year.

During the 1946-47 season, Vitale was voted best student-athlete and was placed on the All-Pennsylvania College Team as an offensive end. He was also selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.