A tenacious and aggressive lineman, Bruno played on both sides of the ball for the Hobart football team. He was a versatile athlete, earning a varsity letter in lacrosse as well.
The three-time Little All-America selection on the gridiron was a key member of the Statesmen’s undefeated 1954 team. Bruno, a native of Geneva, once had four teeth knocked out during a game, but refused to be sidelined, forcing a fumble that was recovered in the end zone of a 13-7 Hobart victory over Union in 1952. Also that season, he scored a touchdown by recovering a fumble in the end zone in a 6-6 tie against Hamilton. The three-year starter earned multiple player of the week awards from the ECAC and the Hobart Quarterback Club.
During his football career, the Statesmen posted a 22-4-3 record for a sterling .810 winning percentage.
A member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, Bruno earned a spot in the Orange Key Society. He was also an active member of the Newman Club and the campus ROTC program.
After graduating with a degree in history, Bruno was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. As a jet pilot, he earned Silver Wings as well as a Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Bruno achieved senior pilot rating and was an aircraft maintenance staff officer. He retired after 26 years at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Following his military service, Bruno began a second career as an educator. He taught for eight years at the University of Texas at Austin and later at Austin’s Canyon Vista Middle School.
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