Clarion Athletics

  Jeff Golias, an All-America offensive center who played for legendary coaches Al Jacks and Charles Ruslavage, was an amazing offensive center from 1980 – 82 who signed a Free Agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983. Jeff arrived at Clarion in 1979 and played as a true freshman at tight end and linebacker. Clarion was 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the West in 1979 narrowly missing the NAIA Playoffs. Jacks and Ruslavage asked Golias if he could play center, he said yes, and starting in 1980 – he made 31 straight starts at center and an amazing career followed. In 1980 the Golden Eagles won the PSAC-West and PSAC Titles posting a 9-2 overall record, a 5-1 mark in the West and defeated Kutztown 15-14 for the PSAC title. In 1981 Clarion was 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the West. Hall of Fame running back Elton Brown averaged 4.6 yards per carry with Golias leading the way. Jeff was recognized as a First Team PSAC-West, NAIA D-18 and Pittsburgh Press All-District selection. The 1982 Eagles were 7-3 overall and 3-3 in the West with Clarion averaging 164 yards rushing per game with the tailbacks again averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Golias was voted an NAIA HM All-American, and First Team PSAC-West and Pittsburgh Press All-District. During his career Clarion put together an overall record of 31-10 and a West mark of 16-8. A four-hour workout in the Spring of 1983 impressed the Pittsburgh Steelers brass enough to sign him to a Free Agent contract. Playing well in camp at Saint Vincent, Golias was looking forward to the first NFL pre-season game that year when an injury sidelined him and caused his release. A quick, mobile and very strong center, he benched the standard 225-pound regimen 39-times, the most of any rookie with the Steelers. Graduating from Clarion in the Fall of 1983, Jeff has been a tremendous supporter of Clarion football. A native of Bridgeville and a 1979 graduate of Chartiers Valley High where he starred in football and track and field, he is currently the owner of Golden Eagle Equipment in Irwin. Jeff and wife Lorena have a daughter Kaitlin and a son Mitchell and reside in Venetia, Pa.