Hall of Fame
Don Stankus was a valuable member of the football team during the glory days of the Red Raiders, playing from 1952-55, and also competed in track and field.
Stankus exceled on Shippensburg teams that combined for a 26-3-2 record. His first three years, 1952-54, were spent playing for legendary coach Vinton Rambo. He was an integral part of Red Raider teams that to this day hold the Pennsylvania Conference record for the longest winning streak, with 20 straight victories from 1951-54.
In 1955, his senior season, and SU’s first with new coach Jack Roddick, Stankus was a co-captain and the team’s halfback. He led the Red Raiders with 75 rushes for 452 yards, only losing 13 yards total on the year in eight games. As a result, he led the team in total offense. Additionally, he was the team’s leading receiver, catching six passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. He led the team in scoring with six touchdowns and 43 points after converting 7-of-9 PAT attempts. For his work as the team’s halfback, Stankus received All-Pennsylvania State Teachers’ Conference honors.
In Stankus’s sophomore season, 1953, Shippensburg led the country in total defense, rushing defense, and passing defense, the only team in NCAA history to lead the nation in all three categories the same season. Multiple school records were set, including fewest yards allowed per game (81.9). It was a year in which the NCAA platoon system required players to play on both offense and defense. Stankus served as a quarterback on offense – a position at the time that had more blocking responsibilities than throwing – in addition to his role as a linebacker.
As a junior and senior, the NCAA allowed for free substitution, but Stankus was still a regular on both sides of the ball. He was a quarterback and halfback on offense in addition to a linebacker on defense. His Shippensburg tenure began as a walk-on freshman who earned a starting spot on defense at linebacker. This was during the 1952 season in which the NCAA had a two-platoon system.
Stankus was also a regular on the track and field squads coached by Roddick and exceled as an athlete in multiple events. Shippensburg won more than 40 dual and tri-meets during his time as an athlete. In 1954, at a time when the Pennsylvania Conference only had five individuals count as place-winners, Stankus managed to reach the awards stand twice. He was a PC place-winner in taking fifth in both the broad jump and the shot put.
At Shippensburg, Stankus was a three-year officer and four-year member of the Varsity Club – serving terms as the treasurer and president. He was also active in other clubs such as President’s Council and the Men’s Athletic Council.
Following graduation, Stankus was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. While attending Basic School in Quantico, Va., Stankus played football with the Quantico Marines. He completed his tour of duty as a communications officer at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
After the Marines, Stankus taught mathematics for 35 years at York Suburban High School. At York Suburban, Stankus coached football, basketball, track, and golf in his time at the school. He was the chief negotiator of the York Suburban Education Association from 1985-1993 and was a volunteer with local Little League baseball and Midget football teams.
For 57 years, Stankus has been married to his wife, Medea Ferraris ’57. The couple has two adopted children: Medea and Michael. Muh DAY uh
