One of Pennsylvania's top high school sports photographers and advocates will be missed

SPORTSfever's Chief Photographer George Zurick, 64, died unexpectedly and suddenly on Wednesday.

George's sports photography was superb.

His passion to support and promote student-athletes through his photography work was unmatched.

His positive impact on high school sports in Pennsylvania was significant.

He first crossed paths with SPORTSfever Magazine in 1995 through his work as a statistician and researcher with broadcaster Jed Donahue on telecasts and broadcasts of high school sports in Central Pennsylvania. He quickly became and remained throughout an integral part of SPORTSfever.

Not only was SPORTSfever fortunate to have George, but also so were the thousands of boys and girls high school athletes in Pennsylvania.

George published thousands of photos of Pennsylvania high school athletic events and student-athletes in SPORTSfever Magazine and at pasportsfever.com for 14 years. His photos were viewed literally millions of times over that time.

Dozens of SPORTSfever Magazine covers showcased George's best action photos. Just last week, two SPORTSfever magazines went to press with George's photos on the covers. His work was instrumental in the continued success of SPORTSfever Magazine, pasportsfever.com and the SPORTSfever Television Network.

With his distinct persona and friendly, positive demeanor, athletes, coaches, media and fans knew George was on the field or in the gym, stadium or arena.

George was proud of his photography and his work as a statistician and researcher. After reading newspapers from around the state on a daily basis and tracking down coaches and team statisticians, he compiled hundreds of detailed background briefings on teams and athletes for SPORTSfever and Jed Donahue, often on tight deadlines, as airtime and presstime approached.

He was particularly proud of his statistical and research duties on the statewide telecasts and broadcasts of almost every one of the PIAA state football championship and state basketball championship games since 1988--more than 200 state championship games the past 20 years.

And he played a significant support role the past seven years with the SPORTSfever Television Network and the some 500 high school and college games STN has telecast since 2002.

George traveled as many as 40,000 miles annually to attend high school sports events in all parts of the state, often accompanied by his friends Dave Wrigley of Pike County and Jim Kosh of Bucks County. It was routine for him to shoot pictures at two, three or four games in a day. Long days, long trips, cranky camera equipment and computers and bad weather never deterred George.

Without the support and patience of his wife of 40 years Marianne, George would not have been able to accomplish what he did as one of Pennsylvania's top high school sports photographers and advocates.

George was born January 21, 1944 in Hazleton. He was a graduate of Penn State University; served as a school psychologist with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit; and also with the Harrisburg School District until his retirement. He was a member of St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church; the American Psychology Association and the Nittany Lion Club.

All of us at SPORTSfever loved George and are forever grateful for his work, support, loyalty and friendship. We won't forget him and we will miss him every day.

God bless you, my friend.