John F. “Stumpy” Stonik

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In 1928, John “Stumpy” Stonik graduated from Plymouth High School, where he played four years varsity football. He was All-Scholastic two years. The Sunday Independent gave him the well-deserved nickname of “The Blond Comet.” On the football field, Stumpy was an excellent passer, great on end runs or knifing off tackle, a good kicker and really great when catching punts and running them back. Many said he was truly spectacular, doing more than any other local player to lay the groundwork for the great popularity of scholastic football in this area. John attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from Temple University in 1935. He was a starter for the Temple Owls and played also in the first Sugar Bowl game held against Tulane 1935. John coached Plymouth High School 1948-1950, winning the Wyoming Valley Conference championship in the 1949-1950 season. He coached football at Coughlin High School 1951-1952. John and his wife Hortense (Terry) are both deceased. John was laid to rest at the age of 54, and is survived by several nieces and nephews. Paul Barnes, a great-nephew, follows in the coaching field as head coach at Shenandoah University in Virginia.