Hall of Fame
Defensive Tackle
USF Career Years: 1964-1968
Pitetti was born October 24, 1919, and attended USF from 1964 to 1968. He played as a defensive tackle for the Dons, where he twice earned team MVP honors. Pitetti was often under-sized, but was known as a fierce competitor.Â
Â
He graduated from USF with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, in the United States Army ROTC program. After graduation, he served with the Charlie Company, 2nd of the 506th, in the 101st Airborne Division from 1968 to 1971, and earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in Vietnam. He was wounded in combat, and he had to undergo a foot and leg amputation.Â
Â
After his military service, he earned a Master’s Degree in Biology at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, and a Doctorate in Human Physiology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, in Dallas. He became a full-time Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, at Wichita State University. He is a renowned researcher in the fields of Physical Rehabilitation and Exercise Science. Pitetti is still active in his Charlie Company Veteran’s Group.Â
