George Rockas was a legend in Lorain County during WWII as an athlete. In 1943, his senior year, he was the leading scorer on Avon Lake’s consistently victorious football, basketball and track teams.
His most outstanding feat was qualifying for the state meet in Columbus when he pole vaulted 11’3” in the county meet and state qualifier. In those days, when 10’ vaults were rare, George hit 11’3” with a bamboo pole in a sawdust pit.

George was a quarterback and halfback in football earning a varsity letter twice. In basketball he lead the team in scoring his senior year and achieved two varsity awards.

A four-year letterman in track, he was the leading vaulter in Lorain County and broke several school records.

Although George finished playing in 1943, he could still be found cheering the Shoremen teams in the 80’s and 90’s, a regular at the games and a great fan. George is a WWII veteran having served as a member of the U.S. Marines.