UMass Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame
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(1979) - Herman (Pete) Gross, a native of Newark, NJ compiled a record of continuous play unequalled by any football player of recent memory, by playing in every minute of every game during his four years of college football at Lowell Textile (1926-30). In fact, his name was once listed in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" as having played eight years of football without having missed a minute of play. In one college game against Bates, he was injured three times but refused to leave the game. He played center excelling both offensively and defensively. Gross was captain of the 1928 undefeated football team, the only unbeaten team in Lowell's history at that time. During his four years, the team record was 16 wins, 11 losses, and 4 ties as they competed against many big league football programs. Many a time, Gross was seen making a kick-off and then going down field to make the tackle. Nationally, he was awarded first team honors on the Jewish All-American Football Team.
Not only was he a fine athlete, but he was also involved in other college functions and activities. He was a member of the school newspaper staff, secretary of the student executive council, and the manager of the basketball team.
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