HB Larry Zelina (official thread)

[Misanthrope]

Former Ohio State halfback Larry Zelina died Wednesday, after collapsing at the insurance office where he worked, a family friend said. He was 55.
Zelina was part of three Big Ten title teams, including the squad that won the 1968 national championship.

RIP, fellow Buckeye. :osu:


http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-obit-zelina&prov=ap&type=lgns

 

[BB73]

One of the Super Sophs. In his career he totalled 2367 yards on 190 plays, an oustanding average of 12.5 yards/touch.

Be at peace, Larry.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Former Ohio State halfback Larry Zelina died Wednesday, after collapsing at the insurance office where he worked, a family friend said. He was 55.

Zelina was part of three Big Ten title teams, including the squad that won the 1968 national championship. Zelina, a Cleveland native, rushed 83 times for 603 yards and two touchdowns during his Ohio State career. He also caught 46 passes for 810 yards and a pair of scores. He returned 21 kickoffs for 425 yards and had 40 career punt returns for 529 yards and two scores.

Ohio State was 27-2 overall and 20-1 in Big Ten play during Zelina's career.


The cause of death was unknown. An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday, said Bob Moraine, a friend who was speaking on behalf of Zelina's family. Funeral arrangements are pending.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

He held the OSU record for average yards per punt return until this year when Teddy Ginn broke it. The guy was a great player and a even better representative of OSU.

Best wishes to his family and friends.

 

[HineyBuck]

Damn!! 55 is just too young.

Larry Zelina had a reputation as a selfless, team player. That was a big part of what made that '68 team so great.

So long, Larry. Say hello to Woody for all of us.
:osu:

 

[Steve19]

He was quick at everything he did. An awesome presence on the field. Rest in peace and God bless.

 

[gost8]

I met him at a fund raiser for Jack Tatum at Buckeye HOF Cafe. Great guy to talk to. He loved to tell his Buckeye war stories. Got his sig on a ball along with some of the other guys from his era and gave it to a good friend of mine.

He is back with Woody now.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

rushed 83 times for 603 yards and two touchdowns during his Ohio State career

That's 7.26 yards per carry!

 

[OilerBuck]

I don't know if any of you got to hear Chris Spielman talk about him during the lunch hour, but I thought it was a great segment.R.I.P. Larry