WVU Sports Hall of Fame
One of the best fullbacks in Mountaineer football history, Larry Krutko played at WVU from 1955-57 for coach Art "Pappy" Lewis.
The Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, native finished his three-year career with 297 carries for 1,407 yards, leading WVU in rushing yards in 1956 and 1957, while also playing linebacker on defense. Krutko currently ranks sixth in career rushing yards by a WVU fullback.
Krutko, who played in the Blue-Gray Collegiate Bowl Game in 1957, and the Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game in 1958, helped lead the Mountaineers to two Southern Conference championships. He is a member of the WVU All-Time Team from 1950-59.
As a senior in 1957, Krutko helped the Mountaineers to a 7-2-1 record while leading the Mountaineers' rushing attack with 403 yards on 100 carries with a team-high five touchdowns. The Mountaineers finished the season No. 17 nationally in rushing, averaging 233.9 yards per game.
Krutko earned All-Southern Conference First Team honors in 1956, leading the Mountaineers in rushing with 584 yards on 124 carries. He scored four touchdowns, including the winning touchdowns against George Washington and the only touchdown in WVU's 7-6 win at Texas.
As a sophomore in 1955, Krutko helped the Mountaineers to an 8-2 record with a No. 17 UPI ranking and No. 19 AP ranking. He finished with 420 yards on 73 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. WVU was No. 6 nationally in rushing yards per game and No. 2 in total offense that season.
Krutko was chosen in the second round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played with the Steelers from 1958-60, appearing in 25 career games. He finished with 331 yards rushing on 96 carries and four touchdowns and 14 receptions for 108 yards. An ankle injury prematurely ended his pro career.
Krutko now makes his home in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Betty. They own and operate a longtime wholesale grocery business with children Mary, Larry Jr., John and Andy, in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania.
