As a quarterback, Pat Stark played a key role in helping the Orangemen to their first bowl bid in 1953. But Stark is also recognized for setting the state high school basketball record for most points in a game. Stark, a two-time All-City pick from Vocational High School, scored an incredible 78 points in a 86-16 win over Smith Tech in 1949.

 

The 6-foot, 178-pound Stark led the Orangemen to the 1953 Orange Bowl where they ultimately lost to the Bart Starr-led Alabama Crimson Tide, 61-6. He finished his SU career with 2,116 yards on 153-for-300 passing and 19 touchdowns. Stark was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

 

Stark returned to his alma mater in 1957 to coach the quarterbacks. He left in 1960 to coach offense at the University of Rhode Island and then spent six years at Harvard University (1963-1968) where he won two Ivy League titles. Stark was also the head coach at the University of Rochester for 16 years before retiring in 1982. He became the U of R athletic director in 1983.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1947-1949: Vocational High School in Syracuse. Two-time All-City in basketball, set one-game state scoring record with 78 points

 

1949-1950: Attended Straunton Military Academy

 

1951-1953: Syracuse University. Earned All-East honors as quarterback for two years, played quarterback in Orange Bowl in 1953

 

1953: Played in East-West Shrine football game; Selected to Red Grange’s All-American squad

 

1957-1959: Assistant football coach under Ben Schwartzwalder at Syracuse University

 

1960: Assistant football coach for University of Rhode Island

 

1963-1968: Won two Ivy League titles as head football coach at Harvard; record 38-11-5

 

1969 -1982: Head football coach at University of Rochester; record 35-28

 

1970: Named Coach of the Year by American Football Association for Section 1