Hall of Fame
Hanio "Hank" Mariotti saw his West Liberty academic and athletic career interrupted by World War II but returned to play a key role on one of the greatest runs of extended football success in Hilltopper history. The McKeesport, Pa. native was the starting right guard for Coach Joe Bartell's gridiron powerhouse from 1946 to 1948 as West Liberty reeled off the longest undefeated streak in the nation.
After dropping the first two games of the 1946 season, the Hilltoppers closed out the year on a 7-game winning streak to claim the WVIAC championship. West Liberty tied Potomac State and Morehead State in the first two games of the 1947 campaign before catching fire again to win its last eight games, pushing its unbeaten streak to 17 games. The Hilltoppers went 8-0 to start the 1948 season only to drop a 26-12 decision to Morris Harvey in the season finale.
Following graduation, Mariotti began a lengthy career at Edinboro (Pa.) University, filling various roles ranging from tennis coach and head trainer to assistant football coach and athletic director. Mariotti compiled a sparkling 131-40 record in 16 seasons as tennis coach, winning a pair of PSAC titles and 10 District 18 crowns. He was elected to the Edinboro Hall of Fame in 1982 and also received a Citation of Merit from the Pennsylvania State Assembly along with a Presidential Citation from Jimmy Carter.
