UMass Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame
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(1977) - As an undergraduate at Lowell Textile (1932-36), Lou Athanas earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. A superior basketball star, Athanas led the country in scoring with 417 points in 22 games in 1935-36. So outstanding were his skills, that at various times he would score as many points as the entire opposing team.
In football, Athanas was a standout passer and a top-notch carrier. He excelled, as well, in baseball as an above average hitter and a constant threat on the bases.
Athanas' coaching experience consisted of two years as the backfield coach at his alma mater and a stint as an assistant basketball coach at Lowell High School during a State Championship season.
Athanas played semi-pro football with the Lowell Pros in the New England League and professional football with the Providence (RI) Steamrollers. In basketball, he played with many semi-pro teams throughout New England and professional basketball with the Boston Goodwins in the Boston Garden.
Athanas represented the U.S. baseball team in the Pan-American games in Havana, Cuba, and signed a contract to play professionally with the Boston Bees (Braves) before a series of arm injuries took their toll.
Athanas served four years with the U.S. Marines during World War II, attaining the rank of Sergeant while playing and being captain of both basketball and baseball marine teams in Washington, DC. He also served as a baseball scout for the St. Louis Browns, New York Giants, and the Philadelphia Phillies.
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