University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panther Great Bill Fralic Inducted into WPIAL Hall of Fame
6/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Pitt Alum and football great Bill Fralic was inducted into the inaugural class of the WPIAL Hall of Fame on Friday, June 22. Fralic earned the reputation as one of college football's greatest offensive linemen during his playing career at Pitt (1981-1984).
The WPIAL describes Fralic as, "One of the best football linemen ever to come out of the WPIAL." Fralic was a Parade All-American and won numerous other awards before graduating from Penn Hills in 1981, he also carried a 98-7 record as a wrestler.
Not only was Fralic a great athlete in high school but his work ethic and athleticism continued through his four years at Pitt. The three-time All-American was the first offensive lineman to twice finish in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy balloting, placing sixth in 1984 and eighth in 1983. Over his four years at Pitt Fralic blocked for rushers such as Bryan Thomas and Joe McCall, who both stand in Pitt's top 10 for career rushing yards. For two of his years at Pitt Fralic blocked for Dan Marino, who over the two years with Fralic threw for more than 5,000 yards.
In the 1985 NFL draft Fralic was picked second overall by the Atlanta Falcons, who he would play with for eight years. In his ninth and final season Fralic played for the Detroit Lions. Over his nine years in the NFL he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.
Other inductees to WPIAL Hall of Fame included Arnold Palmer, Dick Hoak, and the 1987 North Hills Football team.
