PITTSBURGH - Former Michigan State head football coach George Perles, who guided the Spartans to seven bowl appearances in his 12 seasons, was inducted into the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 5.
Perles compiled a 68-67-4 record (.503) during his 12-year tenure (1983-94), leading the Spartans to the Big Ten championship in 1987 and a 20-17 victory over Southern Cal in the '88 Rose Bowl. Three of his teams finished among the nation's Top 25, including the '87 team which ranked No. 8 in the final polls. Perles tutored nine first-team All-Americans at Michigan State, including four consensus selections: running back Lorenzo White (1985 and '87), offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (1988), offensive tackle Bob Kula (1989) and linebacker Percy Snow (1989). In addition, he coached three first-team Academic All-Americans: defensive back Dean Altobelli (1985-86), linebacker Shane Bullough (1986) and strong safety Steve Wasylk (1992-93).
A native of Allen Park, Mich., Perles lettered as a tackle for legendary Michigan State head coach Duffy Daugherty in 1958. After serving as an assistant coach under Daugherty (1967-71), Perles moved on to the National Football League where he spent 10 years an assistant coach under Chuck Noll (1972-81).
Perles Inducted Into Western Chapter of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
05-12-2007, 04:35 AM
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