Jack Bolger was Celebrated Boxer at Penn State

John C. “Jack” Bolger was a funeral director in Martinsburg and Williamsburg starting in the 1950s. He established the Bolger Funeral Home that was passed along to his son, John K. Bolger, who has since retired, but whose name still adorns the business.

A recent newspaper article about a former varsity boxer at Penn State reminded me of Jack Bolger’s prowess in the ring while representing the Nittany Lions before his graduation in 1950. Bolger excelled in the sport before it was terminated in 1954, leaving a rich tradition behind.

College boxing reigned supreme among winter sports at Penn State from 1923 until 1954. Bouts, first held at the Armory and later at Rec Hall, drew standing-room only crowds. Judges and timekeepers often wore tuxedos. Following the custom for college pugilism, spectators remained attentive but silent during the three two-minute rounds, and loudly shouted their encouragement during the one minute breaks.

One of the more successful boxers was Bolger, Altoona High School class of 1944.

In an interview with me, he emphasized a key point about his college boxing career. “I was not a ‘fighter’ for Penn State – I was a ‘boxer.’ There is a big difference.”

As Bolger explained, “Ring ‘fighters’ try to destroy their opponents – a knockout being the ultimate victory. A ‘boxer,’ on the other hand, tries to outmaneuver, out-think and out-point his adversary.”

Rocky Marciano is an example of a fighter; Mohammad Ali was a boxer.

Jack’s boxing career at Penn State was born in 1948 when he decided that his quest for a spot on the Nittany Lion football team was doomed. “I had boxed some at Altoona High School and during Air Corps service, so I tried out for the boxing team as a light-heavyweight (175 limit). Not only did I win a place on the team, I was given the first boxing scholarship (tuition, books and the evening meal during the season) ever awarded in that sport.”

With a two-year varsity boxing record of 16-4, he was successful 80 percent of the time in that grueling endeavor.

His most memorable win was against the Michigan State light-heavyweight, Sonny Grandelius, who was an All-American football player and an acclaimed boxer, and was an overwhelming favorite in our bout.

“I sustained a forehead cut early in the bout and a medical decision was needed to continue,” he remembered. “Our team doctor examined the cut, whispered that I was winning and cleared me to continue the bout. My proudest moment in Penn State boxing took place when my hand was raised in victory.”

Jack passed away unexpectedly in 1996 at his residence in Martinsburg at the age of 70.

He was survived by his wife Jeanne and their children.