George Cherry of Merchantville, New Jersey, Class of 1954, was a four year letterman in both football and baseball. He made his biggest impact as a member of Shippensburg’s undefeated football teams in 1952 and 1953. He was a center on offense and linebacker on defense. He also kicked extra points. The 1952 team was 7-0 and the 1953 team was 8-0. He helped Shippensburg establish the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) record for consecutive victories with 20.
In 1953 Shippensburg was the first team in collegiate football history to lead the nation in total defense, rushing defense and passing defense in the same season. Cherry’s linebacking play was a major factor in the success of the Red Raiders and their ability to stifle opposing defenses.
Cherry, a native of Palmyra, New Jersey, was first team All-PSAC in 1952 and 1953. He was also honorable mention All-Pennsylvania in 1953, an all-star team which included players from Division I teams. His career placekicking record for extra points with 46 was not broken until 1975. In addition he also set a team record for consecutive extra points made in 1953 with 17 in a row. That record was not broken until 1976.
In baseball Cherry was a pitcher for the Red Raiders in 1951 and 1952 and he switched to first base in 1953. That season he set a team record by hitting three doubles in one game. He also hit a 420 foot home run during the season. In 1954 he helped Shippensburg win the PSAC championship.
Cherry retired after enjoying a distinguished teaching career of 38 years in the Camden, New Jersey school system. He coached football at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden from 1970 to 1975 and he also coached little league teams in football, basketball and baseball.
