George Mitru
George Mitru was a phenomenal three-sport athlete at Hickory High School, excelling in football, basketball and baseball.
In 1951, his athletic prowess showed early as he was a member of the Little League All-Star team that finished runner-up in the Pa. state championship. In 1954, he was part of the Babe Ruth All-Stars that also finished second in the state. As a youngster in 1955-56, he played in the Pymatuning Baseball League, with college and former pro players.
In basketball at Hickory, he was part of the 1956 squad that won the Mercer County Class A title, losing by 2 points in the District 10 title game. In 1957, Hickory was second in the county as George was second-leading scorer (14 points per game), while averaging 10 rebounds per game and leading the team in assists. He was team captain.
In football, he was named to the Mercer County All-Star Team and in 1957 was named the Hickory High School Athlete of the Year.
He also lettered his senior year in baseball and went on to play first base in the National Association Federation Baseball League (B League) in Youngstown, helping spark the team to the Ohio State Championship. He batted .350.
George went to Depauw University on a football scholarship and started three years at linebacker, while lettering one year in baseball.
He was a captain in the United States Marine Corps, earning a second degree brown belt in judo while serving as a member of the First Marine Division Judo Team.