Our Founder

From his humble beginnings, Gust C. Zarnas left his hometown of Brackenridge, PA, to attend Ohio State University on a football scholarship.  As part of the school’s curriculum, he was required to work 20 hours per week.  It was the depression years, so extra money he earned was sent to his family back home.

After graduating from Ohio State in 1937, Gust played as a defensive guard for The Chicago Bears and later The Green Bay Packers.  He and his fellow Green Bay teammates were victorious in 1939’s World Championship (today’s Super bowl).

A Navy veteran of World War II, Gust served as a lieutenant senior grade and an athletic officer in the V-12 program.  He also played for the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Team, which won the Armed Services Football Championship in 1942. 

A past chairman of the Historic Preservation Fund Campaign of Bethlehem, PA, Gust participated in several fund drives to support Bethlehem area hospitals, religious organizations, higher education and services that promote the development of our youth.

Gust’s greatest passion was supporting and participating in the advancement of youth fitness and athletic organizations.  For many years, Gust was a keynote speaker and presenter at the Lehigh Valley Scholar Athlete Awards Event.

Gust was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1975 and received the 1977 award of honor from the Boys Club of Bethlehem, PA.  Gust was also selected to the Ohio State University, American Hellenic Education Progressive Association and Allegheny-Kiski Valley All Sport Halls of Fame.

December 16, 1913 – December 26, 2000