Xavier University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1981
- Class:
- 1943
Chester "Chet" Mutryn lettered three years in football, three years in basketball, and two years in baseball.
Mutryn, a two-time Little All-America selection and a member of Xavier's Legion of Honor, was one of the greatest all-around running backs in Xavier history. In his final season at Xavier, 1942, he set records for most points in a season (96) and most touchdowns in a season (12). Although the records have since been broken, the marks were great accomplishments.
Mutryn, also a place kicker/punter, booted 24 extra points in his senior year. He punted four punts out of bounds inside the ten-yard line against rival Cincinnati.
While at Xavier he was the top scorer each year and was chosen to the All-Ohio team. He was a triple-threat runner at Xavier, who could do many things including playing a strong defensive back. He played in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game after his senior year.
During his junior year, Mutryn led the Musketeers to a 9-1 mark as he led Ohio in scoring with 99 points. One big win in 1941 was a 14-6 triumph over nationally-ranked Georgetown (D.C.) as Mutryn raced 56 yards for a touchdown.
Mutryn used his speed on the basketball floor for Xavier also. Although primarily known for his ability on the football field, he turned out to be a good all-around basketball player, too.
After graduation, Mutryn signed with the Cleveland Browns but was shipped to Buffalo before ever playing a down. He gained 3,031 yards in his pro career on 583 attempts, ranking fourth among pros of the 1946-59 era in average yards per carry. His 5.2 yards per carry average trailed only Marion Motley, Spec Sanders, and Joe Perry. Although only 5-9 and 180 pounds, Mutryn also found the strength to run back punts and kickoffs. His 26.1 yard average ranked seventh during the '46-'59 era.
Mutryn enjoyed two big thrills during his pro career. He won All-American Football Conference honors in 1948 and 1949. In 1949 he was able to play in Buffalo for his former college coach, Clem Crowe. He followed Crowe to the Baltimore Colts in 1950 but then retired.
