Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Gary Milanovich was such an outstanding pass receiver during his career at IUP that his name appeared on postseason all-star teams alongside players from Pitt and Penn State.

Milanovich broke numerous school records during his sophomore season in 1965, when he and senior quarterback Mickey Watson torched opposing secondaries through the air. Milanovich set school records for catches (40), receiving yards (599) and receiving touchdowns (8). He was practically unstoppable against California, when he caught 10 passes for 184 yards—both IUP records—and two touchdowns despite being double-teamed. The Watson-Milanovich connection helped coach Chuck Klausing’s team post a 43-27 victory.

Besides reeling in passes, Milanovich reeled in a bevy of accolades that season. He earned PSAC and All-District first-team honors, was a second-team Associated Press All-Pennsylvania selection (which included Division I players), a third-team All-State pick and an Honorable Mention selection on the AP All-East team, which included players from Pitt, Penn State, Syracuse, Boston College, Army and Navy.

Unfortunately, after Watson graduated, Klausing adopted a more ground-oriented offensive attack, which limited Milanovich’s receiving opportunities. Nevertheless, he led IUP in catches in both his junior and senior seasons. Jai Hill (1988-91) is the only other player in school history to lead his team in receptions at least three consecutive years.

Milanovich was later selected to IUP’s 1960-69 All-Decade team. The Indians, as they were then known, went 22-6 in his three varsity seasons and won a PSAC West championship in 1965.

Milanovich earned a BS degree in education in 1968 and a master’s in mathematics in 1973, both from IUP. Before retiring, he spent his working life at Butler High School: 40 years as a math teacher, 21 as an assistant football coach and nine as athletic director.

He follows his brother Ron, a golfer in the 1970s, into the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame.

Milanovich resides in Butler with his wife, Penny, an IUP alumnus. They have three children—Michelle, Matthew and Scott, a former NFL quarterback who is head coach of the CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats—and nine grandchildren.
 

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Personal Reflection

What an honor! To be inducted into the IUP Hall of Fame was not a high expectation on my bucket list. When I received the news of the induction, I thought that it was a spam letter. 

What success I had in this great sport can be attributed greatly to the coaches who I was fortunate enough to play for: Coach Sherman, Coach Vidunas, Coach Lepley and Coach Klausing. The hours that Coach Klausing spent throwing to me after practice are times that I am thankful for.

Four years with great teammates, the pride of family support and the outstanding fans of IUP football made for a fantastic background for my future endeavors. 

As I reflect on the time with my wife, Penny, over the nearly 60 years since that time, the basis for our three children and nine grandchildren had been set.