Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Athletics

Yankowski was a graduate of Picher High School prior to becoming a defensive tackle for the Norseman. He was a member of the NEO Junior College National Championship team in 1967 and was named NJCAA All-American. In 1969 Yankowski was recruited by Kansas State University where he started as defensive tackle for 2 years. At K-State Yankowski received the honor of being named “All Big Eight Defensive Tackle” knocking down 15 passes in 2 years. Yankowski went on to be drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971 and played with the Cardinals for 10 years.