Chadron State College Athletics

A native of New Jersey, Fitzgerald was an All-American at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa before coming to Chadron State to play football in 1973 and ‘74. He had a terrific senior year, when he won all-district honors and was a Kodak All-American at linebacker. That season, Fitzgerald led the Eagles in tackles with 94, blocked three punts, intercepted three passes and recovered a fumble. The latter resulted in CSC’s only touchdown in a 10-7 victory over Doane. His blocked punt versus Wayne was recovered by a teammate for a touchdown, leading to CSC’s 14-7 win. After working in the Job Corps program 27 years, including several years at the Pine Ridge Job Corps south of Chadron, he is now a prevention specialist for the Loudoun County Mental Health Center at Shepherdstown, W. Va.