Clarion Athletics

Joe O'Brien was a stalwart football player for Clarion's 1938, 1939, and 1940 grid teams. A native of Clarion, Pa., and 1936 graduate of Clarion High, Joe attended Duquesne for one year and played on the freshman football team. Enrolling at Clarion University in 1938, Joe was a three-year letter winner on the gridiron. A hard-running fullback, his
outstanding blocking paved the way for Bill Sheridan. A two-way player, Joe was Clarion's well known, hard-hitting strong-side linebacker. His overall talents earned him a spot on the All State Teachers College team, and he was named by the Pittsburgh Press to the All-Time Clarion team in 1961. After graduating from Clarion in 1941 , Joe played
professional football with the New York Yankees, then entered the U.S. Air Force and was in the service from 1941 to 1945. He earned the Bronze Star and spent two years in India and China. Returning to Clarion, Joe ran his business while finding time to be an assistant coach at Kittanning High. He also was a backfield coach for Clarion University's 1951-52 football teams. Employed by Sun Oil1952-61, he owned the Thrifty Oil Company from 1961 to 1988.