California University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Whether it is concerning athletics, education, military duty or general community involvement, Frederic Feldman’s extraordinary life’s actions have made him an ideal role model for others to emulate.

A 1928 graduate of Monessen High School, Feldman was a basketball standout for the Greyhounds for three seasons before attending Cal U.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Cal in 1933 as well as starring in both basketball and baseball. He was the Vulcan basketball team’s captain in 1932-33 and he concluded his fine athletic career by earning all-conference recognition at the guard position. Feldman became a starter in 1931 and played under legendary head coach Bill Steers.

“When I was backup as a sophomore we played in a dark, miserable gym that was on the second floor,” Feldman said. “We were playing Slippery Rock one evening, and we were not doing well. Even though I was a sub I told Coach Steers that I was ready to go. Our guys were not playing good fundamentals and I told them. So he put me in and I ended up winning the game with a foul shot.”

Feldman, who scored a career high 17 points against Millersville during his senior year, respected Steers.

“Bill Steers was a fine gentleman,” said Feldman. “He came from Oregon University and knew more about football than basketball. But he knew the fundamentals. We were both fundamentalists.”

During Feldman’s collegiate playing days, low scores in the 30s or 40s was commonplace and that suited him just fine.

“Guarding, dribbling, and passing, that’s it,” Feldman said. “I was a good guard and I liked playing tough defense. I liked guarding the bigger men because I could get around them easier. “

Along with his athletic participation, Feldman also was a member of Cal’s first-ever Student Congress and the Varsity Club.

Following his collegiate days, Feldman returned to his scholastic alma mater where he served as a teacher for 40 years before retiring in 1973. While teaching, Feldman also coached the Monessen Junior High basketball team as well as the senior high school’s tennis coach. He even started the first intramural high school basketball program back in 1935.

Though he still follows sports on television or through the newspaper, Feldman is not an advocate of the three-point shot.

“I don’t like the three-point shot because teams seem to worry about is how many three-point shots they can take,” said Feldman. “I don’t care for it. I want to see them move the ball around and shoot it from the foul line in. I always told the teams I coached to shoot from 15-feet in.”

An individual dedicated to giving to others, Feldman was involved in numerous youth-oriented recreational capacities. He served as the Director of the Monessen Recreation Department for 25 years.

“Giving back to your community is an essential item for any human being,” said Feldman. “I think if you were in a community and left a community you should return and give something back.”

Also a member of the Jewish War Veterans and American Legion Post 28, and life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1190, Feldman was honored by the Monessen Chamber of Commerce as the town’s Outstanding Citizen in 1982. This prestigious honor was again bestowed upon him in 1998.

The Monessen City Council and Board of Education lauded Feldman for his service in recreation in 1986. In 1989, he earned the first Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Monessen Veterans Council in recognition for his participation in veterans’ activities.

He is a past commander of the Monessen VFW, president of the Monessen Veterans Council, chairman of the Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs, and has been active with the NAACP, B’nai B’rith, American Civil Liberties Union, the Monessen Association of Retired Seniors, and the Paralyzed Veterans, Blinded Veterans, and Disabled Veterans associations.

“I will always be very active,” said Feldman. “I am the oldest and most active veteran in the Mon Valley.”

The Monessen Democratic Committee honored Feldman in 1990 for his dedication to recreation and veterans, and in 1998 he was tabbed for the Pennsylvania Voters Hall of Fame for voting in 50 years of general elections. Feldman has never missed voting for over 70 straight years.

A member of the Pennsylvania State Retired Teachers and National Retired Teachers associations, Feldman remains a spiritual leader at the Ohav Shalom Congregation. In 1999, the Mon Valley NAACP honored Feldman for his services to the community, education, recreation and veteran’s activities.

“It is the duty or prerogative of every citizen to vote,” Feldman said. “People should be voting instead of complaining about the government. If you are not satisfied then put your vote in.”

Always enthusiastic and spirited, the 93 year-old Feldman was inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 while his brother, Art Feldman, was inducted in 1987. His other brother, Dr. Eugene Feldman, is a retired orthodontist.

“This is a momentous occasion for me and I am looking forward to being inducted with Jimmy Norton,” said Feldman. “I know him from way back when. This is excellent and I can’t wait to speak because I have a lot to say.”

Frederic was married for 61 years to Esther Caplan, former Charleroi Junior High School teacher, who passed away two years ago. He resides in Belle Vernon.

“In any coal or steel region you find the interest not in aesthetic things but athletics,” Feldman said. “They love athletics. During the depression we did not have radio, money and there were fewer cars. People went to baseball games and those teams were maintained through hat collections. Sports have always been big here.”

Tonight, the always giving Feldman receives Cal U’s ultimate sports distinction.