Ambridge High School has a rich football
tradition that has produced many outstanding individuals. One of the best was Frank Antonini. As a tough running back
for the Bridgers in the early 1960s, Frank capped his scholastic
career in 1962 by breaking the school rushing record with 1190 yards
in nine games and leading Beaver County in scoring with
89 points. Frank was named Most Valuable Player in the Midwestern
Athletic Conference, made first team All State, and was selected as
an All American by Scholastic Magazine. He culminated his high
school career by starring in the Big 33 All Star game. Having been
heavily recruited, Frank decided to attend the University of Kentucky.
He had a phenomenal season on the Wildcats freshman team, averaging
over 200 yards rushing and two touchdowns per game (and five in one
game against Tennessee). He was touted as
Freshman of the Year by Playboy magazine, which also selected him as
a preseason All American entering his sophomore year. But injuries took
a toll and, although Frank played two more years for the Wildcats, he could
not achieve the lofty stats of his freshman season. Finally, he
transferred to Parsons College, where he rushed for 1100 yards
and was named a small college All American. The Philadelphia Eagles
drafted him, and he spent two years on their taxi squad. Frank then
directed his career toward teaching and coaching and earned a spot
as the head coach of his high school alma mater.
Ambridge High School has a rich football
tradition that has produced many outstanding individuals. One of the best was Frank Antonini. As a tough running back
for the Bridgers in the early 1960s, Frank capped his scholastic
career in 1962 by breaking the school rushing record with 1190 yards
in nine games and leading Beaver County in scoring with
89 points. Frank was named Most Valuable Player in the Midwestern
Athletic Conference, made first team All State, and was selected as
an All American by Scholastic Magazine. He culminated his high
school career by starring in the Big 33 All Star game. Having been
heavily recruited, Frank decided to attend the University of Kentucky.
He had a phenomenal season on the Wildcats freshman team, averaging
over 200 yards rushing and two touchdowns per game (and five in one
game against Tennessee). He was touted as
Freshman of the Year by Playboy magazine, which also selected him as
a preseason All American entering his sophomore year. But injuries took
a toll and, although Frank played two more years for the Wildcats, he could
not achieve the lofty stats of his freshman season. Finally, he
transferred to Parsons College, where he rushed for 1100 yards
and was named a small college All American. The Philadelphia Eagles
drafted him, and he spent two years on their taxi squad. Frank then
directed his career toward teaching and coaching and earned a spot
as the head coach of his high school alma mater.