Jan. 7, 2002

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Described as a "triple-threat" for the Lafayette football program from 1939-41, Walter J. Zirinsky died on Nov. 30 at the age of 81.

Zirinsky was one of the most versatile athletes ever to play football for the Leopards. He was an outstanding half back, punter, place kicker and sometime passer.

In a 26-7 victory over Muhlenberg in 1940, Zirinsky rushed for two touchdowns, added the extra points and booted two field goals. The following year, he kicked five punts against the Mules for 54.7 yd average, which still remains a single game record at Lafayette.

In a 46-0 rout of Lehigh in 1940, he scored three touchdowns, kicked three extra points and passed for a fourth score. The whitewash concluded Lafayette's last undefeated season in which the Leopards posted a 9-0 record. Earlier that year, he played perhaps his greatest game against Army in which he scored the first touchdown and returned an interception 35 yards for the last in a 19-0 shutout of the Cadets.

Zirinsky also captained the Leopard basketball team and was a star baseball player.

Following graduation in 1942, Zirinsky played for the former Cleveland Rams and served in the Navy Air Corps during World War II.