George Poschner
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". George Poschner (January 15, 1919 – May 2, 2004) was an American football end who played for the University of Georgia from 1939 to 1942. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he participated in the 1942 Orange Bowl and the 1943 Rose Bowl.[1]
College 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]
Military service
Poschner served in the United States 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]
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]
See also
References
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- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Template:Webarchive
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ 1943 NFL DraftTemplate:Category handler[<span title="Script error: No such module "string".">usurped]Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- ↑ All American Bulldogs Script error: No such module "Unsubst".Template:Cbignore
- ↑ LT Robert M. Barnhart, 45th Infantry Division
- ↑ Kay Marshall, Community Heroes Series, Alabama Living, June 2003 Template:Webarchive
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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Template:1942 Georgia Bulldogs football navbox Template:Lions1943DraftPicks
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- 1919 births
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- American football ends
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- United States Army officers
- United States Army personnel of World War II
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
- Players of American football from Youngstown, Ohio
- American disabled sportspeople
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