Clarion Athletics

Jim Kassel, better known as "Mr. Clarion", was a quality three-sport athlete from 1929-33, active on campus as a student, and devoted to Clarion University from his graduation in 1933 with a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education - Science through today. Jim played four years of football in the seasons of 1929-32, as well as basketball and track from (1930-33). He played on both sides of the line in football and was a guard on the basketball team. A member of the "Varsity C" club and an officer, he was the President of the first Student Senate at Clarionduring is senior year, plus was part of the Clarion Call (student newspaper) and an active member in four fraternities. He is a native of Mayport, Pa., a 1929 graduate of Clarion High School and was a four sport athlete in high school. A teacher for 26 years at St. Petersburg, Salem Township and Clarion High Schools, he also owned Kassel's Aquarium and Pet Supply store for 25 years. Retired, he helped start the Clarion University Foundation Gift Annuity program and was on the committee that started the first Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.