Pete Zinaich

Pete Zinaich was inducted into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2008.

Following three years of U.S. Army service during World War II, Zinaich enrolled at West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950 and a Master of Science degree in physical education in 1952.

At WVU, Zinaich was a three-year starter at fullback (1946–49), served as team captain in 1949, and helped the Mountaineers to a 9–3 season and a 21–12 Sun Bowl victory over Texas Western in 1948. He was named to WVU’s 1930–50 All-Time Team in football. He also played baseball from 1948 to 1950, serving as captain and playing catcher and shortstop.

Zinaich was selected in the ninth round of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and later played professionally in the Canadian Football League. He also competed in minor league baseball.

After his playing career, Zinaich spent three decades as a teacher and coach at high schools in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle and in Ohio.