Hall of Fame
Phil Clifford was a running back for the Vulcans in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s and was a member of the 1958 state championship team under head coach Ted Nemeth that went undefeated with an 8-0 record. For his efforts that season, Clifford was named as an All-American Honorable Mention Player. In 1958 the Vulcan’s defense gave up just 31 points while the offense and Phil Clifford scored 207 points. Game seven of the ‘58 season saw the Vulcans travel to Edinboro. After a scoreless first half on a cold and blustery day at the ‘Boro, Clifford broke the ice and scored a second half TD and the rest was history. The Vulcans won the first two games of the 1959 season for a ten-game winning streak.
Clifford was a 1953 graduate of Clairton High School where he excelled in football, track and baseball.
Prior to his matriculation at Cal, Phillip worked at the U. S. Steel Coke Works for several years.
“Moose,” as he is affectionately known to his teammates and friends, had the opportunity to pursue a professional football career with the Steelers, but instead choose the field of education. He did play several years of semi-pro football in Wheeling and Pittsburgh.
Clifford returned to his high school alma mater in 1962 and served the district as an educator and coach for thirty-five years of unbroken service. He coached football, basketball, track and baseball at various times during his tenure at Clairton.
“I will place this (induction into the Hall of Fame) with the cherished memories of out undefeated season of 1958,” said Clifford. He lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife Lisa and their three children, Rachel, Jake and Sara.
