Charlie Sticka '56
Grad Year
1956
Sport
Football | Baseball
Decade
1950s
Charles "Charlie" Sticka graduated from Trinity College in 1956 as one of the greatest football players in the institution's storied history.
Recruited by both Division I powerhouse Notre Dame and Trinity College, Sticka accepted a scholarship offer from Trinity for his academics. Even after Notre Dame extended their offer and continued to recruit him as a transfer, Sticka remained loyal to his commitment to the Bantams—a decision that would cement his place in Trinity football legend.
Playing fullback at 5'11" and 200 pounds, Sticka was a dominant force on the field. He rushed for 900 yards in 1953, establishing himself as one of the premier running backs in small college football. A crucial part of Trinity's undefeated teams in 1954 and 1955, Sticka topped the all-time touchdowns list with 37 scores and earned two-time All-American honors.
In 1955, he was named to the first team Little All American Team and played in the East-West Shrine Game against college football's greatest. He was also selected as a first-team fullback on the Connecticut Small College Football team.
Sports Illustrated described him as possibly the best running back in the East, praising his explosive performances that helped Trinity achieve back-to-back perfect seasons.
Unfortunately, his pro football hopes were dashed after a baseball injury, although, he briefly played professional football for the Toronto Argonauts in 1957. His exceptional college career was immortalized when he was inducted into the Connecticut Football Hall of Fame in 1997 and in Trinity's inaugral Hall of Fame in 2016.
Charlie spent his career in the insurance business and even at the age of 94, still goes to all of his grandsons baseball games.
