Cottis was one of the greatest football tackles of his era and was selected All-High in both 1941 and 1 942. His teams won Harvard Cup championships in 1 940 and 1 941. John was named a captain of the 1 942 team.
As quoted from the Courier Express 1942 All-High edition, “John is a double shooter on the Tiger team, shifting from spot to spot on defense depending where the opposition runs its strongest plays.”
Cottis during the season played guard as well as tackle. The 1941 Buffalo Evening News All-High edition wrote, “Cottis played end on defense and made tackles all over the field. On offense he pulled out of the line and opened holes to lead many of Bennett’s plays.”
The versatile Cottis was unanimously recognized as one of the finest football players in Western New York in the early 1 940’s.