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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Automatic’ Karamatic dies at 91

George Karamatic, a running back for Gonzaga and first-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 1938, died of congestive heart failure in Santa Maria, Calif., last Friday. He was 91.

Nicknamed “Automatic” because of his consistent place-kicking and long-range punting, Karamatic came to Gonzaga from Aberdeen, Wash., becoming a two-time All-West Coast pick and earning Little All-America honors his junior season. As a senior, he was selected to the NEA All-America team and played in the East-West Shrine Game. He was inducted into the Gonzaga Hall of Fame in 1989.

He played one season for the Redskins and compiled 185 yards rushing on 50 carries. He also caught four passes for 99 yards and one touchdown.

His Redskins teammates included Gonzaga players Cecil and Ray Hare, Ed Justice and Max Krause. All were lured to Washington by Gonzaga and NFL legend Ray Flaherty.

After football, Karamatic taught school in Kennewick and later became the principal at Riverview High School in Finley, Wash. He moved to Santa Maria and taught at Santa Maria High School before retiring in 1982.

His wife of 70 years, Jane J. Karamatic, died on Monday at the age of 92.

Services for both will be Friday at San Ramon Chapel in Sisquoc, Calif.