Edward L. Kluska (1917 – 20 April 1996) was an American football player and coach. He served as head football coach at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1947 to 1954, compiling a college coaching record of 42–33–4.
Early life and education
Kluska was born in 1917 in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. He attended Xavier University, where he participated in multiple sports around 1939, playing football, basketball, and baseball for the Xavier Musketeers.
Playing career
During his collegiate years at Xavier, Kluska was a multi‑sport athlete, representing the university in football, men’s basketball, and baseball. Specific statistics from his playing days are not extensively documented.
Coaching career
College assistant (1940–1942) – After graduating, Kluska returned to Xavier as an assistant football coach.
High school head coach (1943–1946) – He served as the head football coach at Purcell Marian High School in Ohio, achieving a high‑school record of 31–1–3.
Xavier University head coach (1947–1954) – Kluska was appointed head coach of the Xavier Musketeers football program. Over eight seasons his teams posted an overall college record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 4 ties. Notable seasons included a 10‑1 record in 1949 and a 9‑0‑1 record in 1951, during which Xavier earned a berth in the 1950 Salad Bowl.
Later life and death
Edward Kluska died of a stroke on 20 April 1996 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 79.
Legacy
Kluska is remembered for his contributions to Xavier football during the post‑World War II era, guiding the program through its most successful period in the early 1950s. His overall coaching record reflects a significant impact on both high‑school and collegiate football in Ohio.