Henry “Hank” Piatek '38 is a true embodiment of athletic excellence. His career spanned three sports—football, basketball, and baseball—where he showcased unmatched talent, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Hank began his career on the 1934 Freshman football team, known as the "Big Freshman." This team was heavier than the CC Varsity team and played against reserve teams, finishing the season with four wins and three losses. Piatek was a key player, and Fr. Martin, CSB, a CC Hall of Famer, was the coach.
He made a significant impact on the football field while playing under the legendary coach John Hackett. As a key member of the undefeated Shamrocks in 1936 and 1937, Hank excelled in all aspects of the game; he could run, pass, block, and kick with equal proficiency. He scored 84 points in his junior year and 99 points in his senior season, and he also threw for many more touchdowns. Hank was known as one-half of the formidable “Touchdown Twins,” alongside Harry Groth. He was rated as the best in the league as a strong defensive player. In his senior year, he earned All-City honors and helped establish Catholic Central as the top team in Michigan for two consecutive seasons.
Hank's abilities shone brightly in basketball as he captained the All-City team and became the first Catholic Central player named All-State. His leadership and talent earned him the admiration of teammates and opponents, solidifying his legacy as one of the school's all-time greats.
On the baseball diamond, Hank excelled as a slugging force on Fr. Martin’s championship teams, cementing his place in the annals of Catholic Central sports history.
Beyond his individual accolades, Hank Piatek was celebrated as the best all-around athlete in the Parochial League. With his unassuming personality and athletic ability, a prominent sportswriter regarded him as the “Frank Merriwell” of high school athletics. Note: Frank Merriwell, by Ryan Anderson, was a fictional character of All-American boyhood in the 1930s.
After attending college, Hank enlisted in the Navy in June 1942. Honorably discharged in late 1945, he became a sporting goods salesman who supplied athletic equipment to most high schools in the Detroit area. He and his wife, Joan, had a son, Jeffrey.
