John Ciccone
The 2004 Mercer County Hall of Fame posthumous inductee is John “Jake” Ciccone.
Jake was one of a select few Mercer County athletes ever named to play in the Pennsylvania Big 33 Game, and probably the most recognized.
In 1956, he was named All-State for his play at linebacker and guard at Sharon High School and was named to play for the Western Pennsylvania Squad in the Big 33 contest. He was chosen as captain of the team and won Most Valuable Player honors.
He also was captain of his team in the Mercer County All-Star game and won MVP honors as well.
He went on to a brilliant career at Purdue University where he was a three-year letterman, playing linebacker and guard. His senior year he was named honorable mention All-American by the United Press International.
He was invited by legendary coach Vince Lombardi to try out for the Green Bay Packers after graduation, but declined the offer to go into teaching and coaching.
He coached at numerous schools including four Michigan high schools, Kennedy Christian High School, Hermitage (1972-73), and Carmel High (Ill.). He also served as athletic director at some of the schools.
He posted outstanding records at every school, including several unbeaten seasons, and received numerous coaching honors. At Manistee Catholic Central High (Mich.) his 1969 team won the Michigan State Class C Championship. Later at Union High, he was named Coach of the Year in the state of Michigan in 1977.
He was a member of the board of Michigan High School Coaches Athletic Association and member of the American Coaches Association.
He died of stomach cancer on July 12, 1981.