Alfred University Athletics

Jack Hedlund graduated from Alfred University in 1965 after a standout career in football and track.

A two-sport letterwinner at Alfred, Hedlund earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He later earned a master’s degree in education from AU.

Hedlund lettered in track four years and still holds the school record in the shot put.
In football, he was a dominating lineman, lettering for the Saxons three years.

His best performance may have come his senior year, in the Oct. 31, 1964, game at against Susquehanna University. The Saxons, who had been blown out the previous year at Susquehanna, 68-0, stunned the powerhouse Crusaders, 18-16, at Merrill Field. Hedlund, who had missed the previous year’s game with a knee injury, led an inspired Saxon defense with 14 tackles. He lists that game as one of his biggest thrills as an AU athlete.

A native of Kane, PA, Hedlund is a longtime administrator at his alma mater, Kane Area High School. He earned his principal’s certification from Penn State University in 1974 and his superintendent’s certification from St. Bonaventure University in 1985.

After teaching jobs in Hornell (NY) High School, Elk County Christian High School, St. Marys (PA) High School and Ridgway (PA) High School, Hedlund taught social studies at Kane (PA) Area High School for a year before becoming that school’s principal in 1974, a job he would hold for 20 years. He was appointed curriculum and special programs director at Kane Area High School in 1994.

Hedlund stayed involved in athletics, coaching at Hornell, Elk County Christian, Ridgway, and Kane Area high schools. He has also served on various committees and supervised track and field events for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

Hedlund and his wife Linda reside in Kane and have three grown children and three grandchildren.