Clarion Athletics

 John Hughes, one of the top defensive players in Clarion Football history, was a dominating player who played for legendary head coaches in Charlie Ruslavage and Gene Sobolewski, both members of the Clarion Hall of Fame. A native of Akron, Ohio and a 1982 grad of Canton Central Catholic, Hughes helped the Eagles to a 7-3 record as a true freshman in 1982 contributing 12 tackles and 3 qb sacks at linebacker. Moving to the defensive line, Hughes was instrumental in helping the Golden Eagles to the PSAC-West and PSAC Championship titles in 1983 with a 9-2 overall record and 5-1 mark in the West. In six games Hughes collected 55 tackles, 6 qb sacks, 4 broken-up passes, 1 fumble caused and recovered, and 1 interception. He posted 4 qb sacks in the PSAC title game win (27-14) over East Stroudsburg. In 1984 John posted 51 solos and 50 assists for 101 tackles, 7 qb sacks, 2 break-ups and fumbles recovered, a blocked kick and a fumble caused. Clarion tied for first in the West (4-2) and was 7-3 overall. Hughes was named First Team PSAC-West. In 1985, his senior year, Hughes captained the Golden Eagles to an 8-2 record and a 5-1 mark in the West. He led the team with 125 tackles, 7 fumbles caused, and a blocked kick. He also had 8 sacks, 3 break-ups and 2 fumbles recovered at noseguard. He was an Associated Press All-American, First team PSAC-West, Pittsburgh Press and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-District team. He finished his career with 293 tackles, 24 sacks, 9 fumbles caused and passes broken-up, 2 blocked kicks and 1 int. Clarion's overall record was 31-10 and West mark 17-7 over his four seasons. A 1986 Clarion grad in Business – Marketing, he also earned a Masters in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon in 1996. He was Vice President of St. Francis Hospital in New Castle, Pa. from 1992 – 2000; then acquired Avalon Nursing Center in 2001 and Avalon Springs in 2009 – both were sold recently to UPMC senior communities.  Also part of Americare Management Corporation in New Castle, Pa., he is currently Senior Property Manager of 5 facilities. John has a son Tyler, a daughter Alaina and his fiancé Monica has a daughter Makayla.