Missouri Valley College Hall of Fame

Viking

Joseph A. Avena
Class of 2005

Joe graduated from Missouri Valley in 1964.  He was a four-year letterman in Football (1960-1964), a two year letterman in Basketball (1960-1962), and a two year letterman in Baseball (1960-1962). 

While playing on the football team Joe lead his team to two conference championships including one undefeated season in 1961.  Joe started three years as the offensive single wing center, and was a two time All-Conference center (1962-1963). 

Joe assisted the basketball team, the year they earned a spot in the NAIA playoffs in Kansas City.  Joe played on the Vikings Baseball team, which was the first team that had been fielded in 29 years. 

While at Valley Joe was a member of the V-Club and served as Vice President, was President of the Student Senate, runner-up for Mr. Viking, named to the Dean’s List and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.  After graduation Joe taught and coached at J.F.K. High School in Woodbridge N.J., Susan Wagner High School, Mt. Loretto High School, and his alma mater New Dorp High School.  At New Dorp he was inducted into the High School Football Hall of Fame.