Ralph Pasquariello
Encyclopedia
Ralph Angelo Pasquariello (May 30, 1926January 5, 1999) was a professional American football
fullback
for the Los Angeles Rams
and Chicago Cardinals
.
where he was named "all-scholastic" in 1944.
during World War II
before attending Villanova University
. He was a record setting fullback for Villanova from 1946 to 1949. During that four year period, Villanova won 28 games, lost only 10 and tied 2. Pasquariello set a record for most carries with 380 and was second in individual career rushing with 1815 net yards gained. Also during his college career, he played in the Great Lakes Bowl
, was named to six all-star teams, including the All-America College Selection in 1948 and 1949, the All-American Catholic and All-East elevens, and the Associated Press
All-Pennsylvania team. In 1949, he scored the winning touchdown in the North-South game, and was given the M.V.P. award.
. He later spent two years with the Chicago Cardinals (1951–1952).
In 1981, he was honored by being inducted into the Villanova University Varsity Club (Villanova University Hall of Fame).
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
fullback
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
for the Los Angeles Rams
History of the St. Louis Rams
The following is a detailed history of the St. Louis Rams a professional American football team and member of the National Football League .-AFL Cleveland Rams :...
and Chicago Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Early years
Pasquariello authored an impressive record during his gridiron career, beginning at Everett High SchoolEverett High School (Massachusetts)
Everett High School is a public high school in Everett, Massachusetts. In the 2007-2008 school year, it had 1,774 students. After being at the Broadway Street location for almost 100 years, a new high school was built on Elm Street, opening in September, 2007....
where he was named "all-scholastic" in 1944.
College career
Pasquariello served in the US ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
before attending Villanova University
Villanova University
Villanova University is a private university located in Radnor Township, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States...
. He was a record setting fullback for Villanova from 1946 to 1949. During that four year period, Villanova won 28 games, lost only 10 and tied 2. Pasquariello set a record for most carries with 380 and was second in individual career rushing with 1815 net yards gained. Also during his college career, he played in the Great Lakes Bowl
Great Lakes Bowl
The Great Lakes Bowl was a college football bowl game that was played only once, on December 6, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio between the University of Kentucky and Villanova University....
, was named to six all-star teams, including the All-America College Selection in 1948 and 1949, the All-American Catholic and All-East elevens, and the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
All-Pennsylvania team. In 1949, he scored the winning touchdown in the North-South game, and was given the M.V.P. award.
Professional
His talents spread to the pro circuit, playing fullback for the Los Angeles Rams. Pasquariello was the first round draft pick for the Rams in 19501950 NFL Draft
The 1950 National Football League Draft was held on January 20–21, 1950.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
. He later spent two years with the Chicago Cardinals (1951–1952).
Honors
The Annual Ralph Pasquariello Award, established in his honor by the Villanova Club of Boston, is given to the outstanding backfield performer in the Villanova-Boston College game.In 1981, he was honored by being inducted into the Villanova University Varsity Club (Villanova University Hall of Fame).