Hall of Fame
George "Bear" Zenger was a two year varsity quarterback for the 1948 and 1949 gridiron Crusaders. During that time George earned recognition as an All-Catholic selection and will joined his fellow class of 1950 teammates, Bill Johnson, Ron Koch, and Fr. Jack Weimer as members of the Athletic Hall of Fame. The 1948 season was a special one in the history of Canisius Football. It marked the renewal of the CHS vs St. Joe's rivalry which had been on hiatus for over a decade. George masterfully led the Johnny Barnes designed "No Huddle" offense to an opening drive touchdown and the Crusaders prevailed 14-9. In 1949 George threw for 2 touchdowns against St. Joe's in his senior year helping the Crusaders to an 18-13 victory.
His talents earned a scholarship to play football at St. Bonaventure University. George was a committed alumnus of CHS. He and his wife Jeanne devote time and treasures to Canisius. He was posthumously inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor in 2001. His family continues his legacy, helping to endow a scholarship at CHS through the George J. Zenger Memorial Scholarship.Â
