Names of stars from York County with pro sports links just keep increasing
Former Steeler George Tarasovic, No. 52, has a framed program profiling the Steelers versus the Cardinals in his York County, Pa., den. Background posts: Was Red Lion’s Scott Fitzkee the most-talented three-sport athlete ever in York and Adams? and York County has produced star NFL players and Dover’s/Packers’ John Kuhn: ‘He is able to grasp things very quickly’.
The number of present and former athletes, coaches and others in professional sports with York County connections keeps adding up.
Last year, Hanover native Pat Flaherty coached the offense line of Super Bowl Champs New York Giants.
York County was in the Super Bowl again.
At least three York countians are linked to the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers -George Tarasovic, John Norwig and Bruce Arians.
The following is quick information on the three based on York Daily Record/Sunday News reports:
-Tarasovic played various positions for the Steelers for more than a dozen years in the 1950s and 1960s.
Interesting fact: Tarasovic stood at 6 feet 4 inches tall and played at 250 pounds, a big guy for his day.
Quote: “Just getting together with the guys every season was great,” the York County resident said. “I was in it for the love of the game.”
– Norwig is a Hanover native, graduated from South Western High School and attended Penn State York. He is the head athletic trainer for the Steelers.
Interesting fact: Norwig headed a staff that gained the spotlight as the NFL’s “athletic training staff of year.” Most recently, he was in charge of getting Hines Ward and his injured leg ready for the Super Bowl.
Quote about end of 2008-2009 season: “I’m ready to not see these guys six out of seven days a week, and they’re ready to not see me. It’s a consuming job.”
– Arians, Steelers offensive coordinator, was a William Penn graduate in 1970 and also played sports at York Catholic.
Interesting fact: At one point, Arians was quarterback coach for the Indianapolis Colts, where he worked with star Peyton Manning.
Quote: “There is so many (special memories of York). The people who affected my life, starting when I was 8 years old and started playing football, baseball and basketball. The youth coaches I had.”
