Bronczek Earns Jack Rittichier Award
8/31/2019 7:07:00 PM | Football
Kent State University concluded its preseason camp with the traditional presentation of the Jack Rittichier Memorial Trophy at Dix Stadium. John Henry Bronczek, an undersized safety, was given the award for displaying the same qualities that Rittichier displayed.Â
"He goes above and beyond the regular call of duty," said Head Coach Sean Lewis. "He is a guy that you want in your foxhole with you. He has fought back from injury, fought through injury, has done everything we have asked him to do and then some. He is the player the special teams unit relies on. He is the quarterback of our special teams unit. He is the unsung hero of our #FlashFAST family and the glue who holds it together."
One of the most valued traditions within the football program, Lewis wanted the "Jack's Run" trophy to go to a player who leads by example from winter workouts, to spring ball, through summer workouts, and preseason camp. The sculpture is based on a famous photo from Rittichier's 90-yard touchdown run in a comeback victory against Bowling Green. A nameplate for Bronczek will be added to the Rittichier Monument located in the South Plaza of Dix Stadium. It is the only monument dedicated to a fallen hero in an FBC stadium.Â
Retired Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, Jim Loomis, and  Rittichier's 1954 Refrigerator Bowl teammate, Allan Kaupinen, spoke to the team about what made Rittichier so special, including the numerous lives he saved in a Lake Michigan maritime disaster, and in Vietnam before his death in 1968.
"Jack Rittichier epitomized the character and innate drive to successfully captain our football and track teams, serve as master of ceremony for our spring variety show, "Pork Barrel", and further developed his leadership skills in the ROTC," said Allan Kaupinen. "With time running out in our critical game with rival Bowling Green, it was, of course, Jack, who took charge and bolted 90 yards for the winning touchdown, leading Kent State to our first post season bowl game, the Refrigerator Bowl. In Vietnam, it was Jack who stepped forward to volunteer for an attempt to rescue a downed Marine Corps fighter pilot. Jack's last unselfish assumption of a very dangerous leadership role cost him his life in service to our nation. Our nation, and particularly Kent State University, was blessed to have Jack Rittichier grace us with his presence and extraordinary contributions. His service will be remembered as we again award the Jack Rittichier Memorial Trophy and place another recipient's name on the Rittichier Monument."
Rittichier is one of the most celebrated heroes in the history of the United States Coast Guard. Loomis, like Rittichier, is one of 11 Coast Guard pilots remembered for serving in combat rescue missions during the Vietnam War. In 2009, Loomis gained the support of the Coast Guard Aviation Association to turn his suggestion for the award into reality.Â
