Perno played at MSG, but never forgets his time at Uniontown
Submitted photo
Dana Perno has played in some of the most popular venues, including the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” but when the 1975 graduate of Uniontown Area High School reflects on his basketball career, playing for Abe Everhart at Uniontown always comes to mind.
“I had the opportunity during my college career at West Virginia to play at some great venues, including Madison Square Garden, but the most fun I ever had in basketball was at Uniontown,” Perno said. “It was a humbling experience to play for a program like Uniontown, and Abe was the ultimate gentleman. He never raised his voice and was always teaching.”
Perno and his family live in Phoenix, Ariz., where he operates a dental practice. The former Mountaineer returned to Uniontown in September when he, and the 1974-75 WPIAL championship boys basketball team, was inducted into the Uniontown Academics, Arts and Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 12th group of inductees.
“I came out for the weekend of the Hall of Fame,” Perno said. “We were honored prior to the kickoff of the football game on Friday night before the breakfast brunch and ceremony on Saturday. We had been back earlier in July for the 50-year reunion for the Class of 1975. I still talk to some folks from home.
“It was a different time and era when I was in school. We would play pick-up games, and kids from all over would come to Berkley or Bailey Park to try and get a game with us.
“It wasn’t organized like all the leagues are now. Everyone just came and played, and if you got into a game, you didn’t want to be on the losing team, because it was so tough to get on the court. We also didn’t have cellphones or anything like that. Everyone just knew where to go if they wanted to play in the summer.”
During the induction weekend, Perno saw someone he looked up to growing up, but he also had a younger inductee say he was their idol.
“Emile Ethridge was one of my idols growing up,” Perno said. “I hadn’t seen Emile in probably 50 years, but he could really play, and for Jim Burns to say I was his idol makes me feel old, but I appreciate the recognition.”
Perno was the representative for the team, which won Uniontown’s sixth WPIAL championship in program history, but lost to Schenley in the PIAA quarterfinals to finish the season at 27-1.
The Spartans, who featured three Division-I talents in 6-11 Kelvin Smith, Wayne Williams and Nathan “Sonny” Lewis, went on to win the state title in 1975.
Under Everhart’s brilliance, the Red Raiders were always prepared, but Schenley’s talent was too much for Uniontown to overcome in a 92-77 setback that ended its campaign.
“They were just more talented than us,” Perno said. “They had three Division I college players, and a guy that was almost 7-foot in Kelvin Smith, but Sonny Lewis was their best player.”
Despite falling short of winning a state championship, the Red Raiders had a remarkable season, which was highlighted by their 68-61 victory over Valley to win the district championship on March 7.
Perno led Uniontown in scoring with 25 points. Dan Spiranac had 18 and Tom Hutson put in 16. The Red Raiders dominated Indiana and Erie Academy in the state playoffs before facing the Spartans.
Uniontown was the definition of a team, as Mike Hozak, Gary Garbutt, Ed Link, Dana Hackney, Reggie McLee and Rick Kupets also contributed.
Everhart was known for running a press on defense, which played to the Red Raiders’ strengths. Uniontown was also in shape, as the legendary coach made sure his players ran cross country or participated in track & field during the offseason if they didn’t play other sports.
“We pressed the whole game, which was tough to deal with,” Perno said. “We could run forever, which played to our benefit. Abe had his rule of participating in other sports, and there was no negotiating.”
The only player that Perno recalls not having to run cross country if they didn’t play football was Arnie Belt.
“I asked Abe about that one time, and he looked at me and said, ‘If you had as much talent as Arnie Belt, you don’t have to run cross country,'” said Perno. “But other than that instance, that was his rule.”
Everhart also expected his players to behave like gentlemen and look the part.
“We were always neat and clean,” Perno said. “Abe would always have on a shirt and tie on and wingtips.”
Everhart was not just for style, and Perno believes he was the glue that held everything together.
“I think Abe was a better coach than what I had my first few years at WVU,” Perno said. “He just knew more about basketball than those guys. I had a solid coach at WVU my senior year in Gale Catlett, but Abe was special. He just knew so much about the game. We also had Dave Shuck as an assistant, and he was a good influence. He would come on the floor and play with us. It was good having him on the floor.”