During his years at VU, Pete Rucinski won four varsity letters in both football and basketball. He captained the 1932 basketball team, played halfback on the undefeated 1932 football team and was honored as VU's "Ideal Athlete" during his senior year.

Rucinski remained at VU as assistant football coach in 1935 until he was hired in 1936 by the East Chicago (Ind.) school system. After becoming head football coach in 1936, he set a standard of excellence that others have tried to emulate. Prior to his retirement from active coaching, his teams had won eight mythical state championships, 11 conference championships and six Northern Indiana Championship playoffs against South Bend teams. Rucinski coached six undefeated teams and had five others that suffered only one loss. He also coached high school and American Legion baseball for many years.

Rucinski was the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including a 1992 Alumni Achievement Award from VU. He will be inducted posthumously and will be represented by one of his sons, Dr. Ralph Rucinski, of Crown Point, Ind.