As we come closer to the reunion, per some e-mails I've received,
some of you may not be aware that Mr. Kmetz passed away earlier this
year. Following is an abbreviated copy of his obituary published on
3/6/00. Life really is too short.....

"Pennsylvania HS Football Hall of Fame Coach Paul Kmetz, one of the
region's old-time coaches who dominated the sport through the
1960's, '70's and '80's, died Saturday at Mercy Hospital. He
succumbed to complications from pneumonia, said his son, Robert Kmetz
of Sewickley.

"He was among the last of the old breed. He was a suit and tie
football coach... very interested in being a good role model and
giving 110 percetn to his kids," Kmetz said.

Mr. Kmetz, who was 74 and lived in Crafton, had a reputation as a
fierce competitor and gracious sportsman during his 38 year career.

Retired Pittsburgh Post Gazette sports writer Marino Parascenzo once
wrote that Mr. Kmetz possess the "quickets, broadest grin in the
WPIAL."

.......

Mr. Kmetz, a history teacher, was football coach at Crafton HS from
1955 until 1970 when Crafton schools merged into the Carlynton School
District. He was head coach at Carlynton until 1973.

During his career at Crafton High,Mr. Kmetz at one point coached his
teams to a 19 game winning streak. In 1967, Mr. Kmetz's team
captured the WPIAL Class B Football Championship.

......

After two years at Carlynton, Mr. Kmetz was recruited by the Shaler
Area School District, and he jumped at the chance to coach at a
larger school. He worked there until his retirement in 1988.

.......

Mr. Kmetz was a Crafton councilman and longtime manager of the
Crafton Pool and Park. .....

In addition to his son, Mr. Kmetz is survived by his wife, Lois
Gradler Kmetz, a second son, Paul of Laurel, Del, and three sisters.

......

Barbara Cain Gockley ('69)