Salem University Athletics

Canterna graduated Salem College in 1941 and, according to Coach T. Edward Davis, was second to none in sheer running speed and endurance. Davis also contends Canterna was the finest two-sport athlete he ever coached.

In basketball, Canterna led the team in scoring his first two years, and his last two he was second only to John “Brooms” Abramovic, also in Salem’s Hall of Fame. He was named All-WVIAC in 1938 and 1939, and WVIAC All-Tournament team in 1938 and 1940. In baseball, Canterna led in both hitting and stolen bases all four years. He was one of seven brothers who played basketball and baseball. While at Salem, he met and married Freda Tucker (1941), a student from Calhoun Country, West Virginia. He considers this the greatest benefit of attending Salem College. They had two children, one of which graduated from Salem College.

Following Conterna’s graduation in 1941, World War II interrupted what surely could have been a professional career. He served in the army from 1941-1945 and attained the rank of captain. After the conclusion of his military service, he began a distinguished career in the United States Veteran’s Administration.