Jack “Hydroplane” Deloplaine is a prime example of what can happen if you put your mind to it and work hard enough. He earned his nickname for his ability to run in wet conditions.

While looking at colleges and universities after a standout high school football career at Pottstown (Pa.) High School, his options were limited by the fact that freshman weren’t allowed to play at the NCAA level.

NAIA schools – like Salem College – didn’t have that stipulation.

“I had a friend in Pottstown that was a couple of years older than I was,” Deloplaine said during the recent 9th biennial Salem College Football and Cheerleader Alumni Reunion at Oglebay Park’s Wilson Lodge. “He graduated the year before I got to Salem, but we used to workout together all the time back home.

“I had a pretty good senior year and pretty good career in high school, but I really wanted to play baseball,” he admitted. “He told me if I went to Salem I could play both as a freshman and then transfer anywhere I wanted. That sounded pretty good to me.”

And, as they say, the rest is history.

Once Deloplaine stepped onto the tiny Salem College campus, he never left. He did, however, leave his imprint on the Tigers’ program, leading them to the 1975 NAIA national championship his senior year where they lost to Texas A&I.

“We had a pretty good football team when I graduated after my senior year,” Deloplaine acknowledged. “Coming back to see these guys every two years is fantastic. I look forward to coming back to this event because people come in from all over the country.”

During his days in Salem, Deloplaine was mentored by assistant coach Larry Blackstone, who took a special liking to the curly-haired running back. That’s something that wasn’t forgotten by Deloplaine, who was taken in the sixth round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 182nd pick overall.

“This is the honest to God’s truth,” Deloplaine said sternly. “I blame Larry Blackstone for me making it in the NFL. I credit him. He used to come and get me early every morning to work out. He pushed my buttons a lot. He used to tell me that whatever happens, just give it your best shot. If you make it that’s good. If you don’t, you know that you gave it your best shot and walk away with no regrets.

“He pushed me more than I would’ve pushed myself,” Deloplaine added. “There were days when I didn’t like him at all, but I went up there (Pittsburgh) and did what he told me to do. I gave it my best shot and things worked out pretty well for me.”

Indeed they did as Deloplaine was a member of the 1978 Super Bowl XIII champions, and has the ring to prove it. He played 40 games in his career, which started and ended in Pittsburgh. He played for the Steelers from 1976-78 before going to Washington in 1978. He played for Chicago in 1979 before winding up in Pittsburgh the same season. He carried the ball 37 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

“It just goes to show that anything is possible if you keep a positive attitude.”

Even though he was from the Keystone State, Deloplaine would have rather been drafted by any other team than the Steelers.

“When I was at Salem, the Steelers had just won Super Bowls IX and X,” Deloplaine recalled. Then they draft me in the sixth round. I really wanted to go anywhere but Pittsburgh. Think about it? You’re trying to make it in the NFL. Where do you want to try and make it? The team that just won back-to-back Super Bowls and already had nine Hall of Famers, I thought about it and thought my chances were slim and none.”

Deloplaine was delighted, as were many others, to hear that football might be rejuvenated at Salem International.

“It’s tough to pick up a Sunday newspaper and not see a Salem football score in the listings,” he admitted. “They talk about bringing it back and then the school changes hands and we all get discouraged again. I would really like to see it come back and I would like to be a part of it in some way. Maybe as an advisor or something.”

Would he think about being the head coach?

“No. I’m retired and a I love it,” the Anderson, S.C., native said.

North can be reached at knorth@timesleader-online.com