SALEM, West Virginia - In an effort to showcase the legacy of Salem athletics through the years, the Salem athletics department is unveiling a new monthly spotlight covering one former Tiger student-athlete and their achievements after their time here at Salem. The first subject of this spotlight is Dr. Al Tarquino. He is pictured here, on the right, participating in the Salem Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony in October of 2022.

Tarquinio came to Salem back in the old "Salem College" days from his native area of Stowe Township, Pennsylvania. He played football for the Tigers from 1960 to 1964, and graduated from Salem in 1965 with a degree in Political Science and History. During his playing days as a Tiger, he was a 4 year letterman, a 3 year starter, and was voted the best offensive lineman during his final season for the Tigers. 

After his time at Salem,  he worked in sales for many years and coached football. After he retired from his sales career, he spent some time as a college professor teaching business classes. He is now residing in Tampa Bay, Florida. He is the president of the Salem College Football Alumni Club, and is a member of the Salem Athletics Hall of Fame. 

As part of our spotlight interview, Tarquinio was asked about what advice he would give to current Tigers, and this was his response:

"You must create a provable value proposition that should yield a competitive advantage. Most young people don't think they bring value to an employer, or their career management strategy, because they don't have formal work experience that matches jobs they are applying for. That's nonsense!...If you aren't planning your career or planning to succeed in life, someone else is"

Salem Athletics would like to thank Dr. Al Tarquinio for all his contributions to Salem, our school, and our student-athletes.