In four years at Newberry College from 1952-1956, Edward M. Blanko starred in three sports. Playing four years of varsity football and basketball, as well as three years of varsity baseball, Blanko was a coveted player on every team. On the gridiron, Blanko was an All-State performer, played in two bowl games, and averaged seven tackles a game as an end. Also a force in the offense, Blanko scored a touchdown in one of Newberry College’s most historic games.
On September 16, 1955, the Indians downed Furman, 14-0, with Blanko catching a six-yard touchdown pass for the second score. The win was Newberry’s first in 41 years against the Paladins. Edward’s offense prowess transferred from the field to the hardwood as the 6-3, 215-pound center dominated the paint for the Indians basketball squad. An All-State performer in basketball as well, Blanko had a marvelous senior year. A captain, Blanko scored 19.1 points per game to go along with 22.3 rebounds per game in the 1955-56 season.
In his time away from Newberry College, Blanko played on a summer league team in New York that was coached by Red Auerbach and featured Wilt Chamberlain as a teammate. As a baseball player, Blanko was named to the Little Four tournament All-Star team three times and had a career average of .343 as a center fielder and pitcher. Edward went on to play semi-professional baseball and basketball after leaving Newberry.
