Honoring 1952 Cheltenham Grad and Athlete, Lt. Col. Tony Stremic
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony “Tony” Stremic, a notable figure in sports and a distinguished veteran, is being honored for his achievements. A graduate of Cheltenham High School in 1952, he is celebrated as one of the most notable two-sport athletes from Wyncote.
Stremic’s Athletic Journey
Chuck Langerman, a local historian, shared insights about Stremic’s remarkable athletic career. Following his high school graduation, Stremic attended Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He later enrolled at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he excelled in both wrestling and football.
Wrestling Accomplishments
While competing in wrestling at 191 pounds, Stremic narrowly missed winning the NCAA Division I championship in 1957. His final match against Ron Schirf from the University of Pittsburgh ended in a draw after two overtime periods. Schirf was declared the winner by a contentious 2-1 split decision.
Football Highlights
In football, Stremic earned Honorable Mention All-American status as a guard. His performance led the Midshipmen to an impressive 8-1-1 record in 1957, culminating in an invite to the Cotton Bowl on January 1, 1958. In front of 75,500 fans, Navy triumphed over Rice University with a score of 20-7, and Stremic was honored as the Cotton Bowl MVP. The team finished ranked fifth in the nation for the 1957 college football season.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Stremic graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, finishing in the top 10% of his class. At graduation, he was recognized as the top athlete in his senior class. He continued his education at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966.
Military Service and Recognition
After serving in the Marine Corps, Stremic became a program manager and consultant specializing in Weapons Systems Acquisition and Information Systems in Northern Virginia. He retired in 2002. His military honors include:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Navy Achievement Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross
Years later, he was inducted into the Naval Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions to both football and wrestling.
As the 126th Army-Navy football game approaches, Stremic’s legacy continues to inspire. His achievements on the field and in the military highlight the commitment and excellence expected from graduates of the Naval Academy.
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