2017 NCAA Semifinals

I watched the whole semifinal game with UMHB. Challenged by today's technology, I was still able to download ESPN3 to my phone; a magnificent effort. That a SUNY College at Brockport football team was taking the field in an NCAA Division Championship semi-final game was the same.

The first minutes of the game had a curious affect upon me. It was almost as though I was transported to that far away Texas field, that I was there with those fine young men, yet it was the late 60s. I could feel the hits, the pain, the sweat. Smell the dirt. Hear the crowd, the band.

Let me explain. We were a good football team, the teams of 1965-1969. We played very good teams. We won some, we lost some. Either way, we did not give up. When the fans stopped cheering and the band stopped playing, we were still fighting.

This Brockport team playing UMHB on December 9, 2017 got behind by three touchdowns early in the first quarter. They had their work cut out for them. It's a tribute to them that UMHB didn't cross the goal line again; a tremendous effort by their defense, led by #33 Alex West who certainly did not give up but was all over the field. Those defensive teammates of mine in the 60s did so week after week.

Offensively, Brockport had to come back from a deep hole. They were certainly able with their explosive potential and with a couple of breaks. The breaks didn't come. Germinario's receivers were covered or harassed more than he'd seen, I think, all season and he adapted well but ... This was a mighty defense they faced. Again, I was reminded of my offensive teammates of long ago and the defenses we faced.

I watched Coach Mangone when the cameras showed him on the sidelines, the man who molded and guided this Brockport team to a 10-0 season, 13-0 counting the playoff wins. He is reminiscent of Coach D, without the head phones, adjusting to action on the field, talking to his players.

They should all walk tall. This was a tremendous season in Brockport football history. The team established records and efforts to shoot for in coming seasons.

I watched the whole game. I was proud.

Scott Dingman

Class of '69

The following exchange occurred as a reaction to our post-Homecoming report via email. As you read this, you'll understand why we let the older fellas hang around with us. (Formatted by your editor for easy reading. Addressee kept when helpful.)

BENDER
Good looking bunch of guys to say the least. See you boys next Fall. Steve Bender #65.

EPKE
I am one of the newest members on your website, sponsored by the man I taught how to play offensive guard in 1965, Steve Bender. I am unbelievably impressed from out here in Boulder, Colorado on the website and the blog and I am going to make it a point to come back for homecoming next year. I last saw Bender and Rucker and Ossont about five years ago ago at an anniversary for Coach D'Agostino, a man I truly looked up to. What happened to Higgins now that you are meeting at Barbers? Keep up the great work.
John Epke

BENDER
Truth be known big John taught me a "little" about playing offensive guard and a lot about muscling up to the counter at Higgins. That crazy SOB holds the record for the number of years to get out of B'port. I think it was something like 10 plus. In fact they may have given him his degree out of mercy or getting tired of seeing him hanging around. God bless my buddy though as he went on to become a distinguished FBI agent and even claims to have solved the JonBenet Ramsey murder case in Denver but nobody believes him. All kidding aside big John is a class act, a true credit to B'port and one heck of a competitor. God bless ya old buddy!
He best have his butt there in 2018 along Knute Rucker, Billy Boy Ossont, Carl Savalli and Abe Bender......
Until then,
Steve Bender #65...

EPKE

The Broncos are so bad they called up and wanted to know if I wanted to make a comeback.
JOHN

SIGNOR

John, Welcome! My name is Bill”Checkers”Signor, I played 1971, 73,74,75, my partner Ron “Smitso”Smith played one year, 68 or 69. He and I bought Higgins in 1983 and called the bar, C & S Saloon. Had a ball running the place and made a few $$. Sold bar to Mitch Newman in 1987 and he still owns the bar. Look forward to meeting you. Checkers

EPKE

Bill, I not only bellied up to the bar at Higgins on numerous occasions, I worked there when I wasn’t teaching Bender how to play guard and Rucker to hit the right hole. Looking forward to meeting you.
JOHN

RUCKER

Epke, thanks for teaching me to hit the right hole, but with you and Bender blocking, I never did find a hole to hit.
Ruck

EPKE

Ruck, you and Bender have made my day. I am still laughing during my happy hour.

BENDER

John, don't listen to the little bastard. He couldn't see for one thing. Truth be known that was always one of his biggest problems along with his significant lack of speed. We'd clear the way and the by the time he'd show up in the wrong hole we'd be ready to huddle again. Good little guy though, a lot of enthusiasm if nothing else - know what I mean? I still love him! Baseball was his calling - I think!

Oh am I going to pay for this....... I take it all back Knute. You were the best - honest.

Abe

RUCKER

Bender, for the guy I got through Brockport, into Indiana University, and have stuck by you through all four of your wives and numerous significant others, I am appalled that you would chastise me for my speed. Cox and I led the sprints everyday if you remember, and we were the the qb's and backs. Thank God you finally got to run with the guards.
I never saw you once volunteer to catch punts or kickoffs with me. Some how, through all the bull shit, you still have me brain washed to be you life long friend. Epke was right about you but I can't for the life of me remember what he said. I can't remember if it was his 5th or 6th year at Brockport. Both of you are legends in your own minds.
Knute

SAVALLI

CONGRATS ON A GREAT WEEKEND. GLAD TO SEE THAT EPKE FINALLY DID GRADUATE. SORRY I MISSED THIS YEAR BUT WILL BE NEXT YEAR GOD WILLING

COX

Bender, I have to agree with my friend Knute. He definitely helped you through school. Your wife gave up on you but he never did. Unfortunately, Epke spent so much time with you that he suffered and I think that's why it took him a few more years to complete his education. As far as Knute's speed, I remember often Gene Zastawryney and I looking over our shoulder and seeing Knute right there! He would have been even with us if his legs were a little longer! How soon we forget you started out at Brockport as a QB and often cried to Coach D to get on the field. He said he could if you moved to the line, hence we had a new guard! A good guard you were! Can't wait to see and John next year. Love you guys !! Coxie

OSSONT
I have to agree with Coxie. He is right on ….Sorry, Steve !! I know that I was the fastest of all of the Ends and Centers and could hold my own against the QB’s (Laduke and Ross). Isn’t is wonderful that we still get along and love each other??

BillyBoy

The Handball Game

I started playing handball in high school. By the time I was in my last couple of years in Brockport I had become pretty good. Being a phys. ed. school I had lots of room for developing my game. I was always plagued by my left hand, so I never became great. In those days most people played paddle ball and, yes, it was called that in 1965. By 1969 it had become Racquet Ball and actual racquets had replaced the dangerous wooden paddles. But handball was for the hardcore.

I knew Coach D played handball, It became my goal to get him one-on-one in a match. I forget how it came about but one day Coach and I met for that game. He was good, quicker that I'd anticipated and he knew strategy. He must have been in his 50's and I was 20, at the top of my game. I showed little mercy. Rarely looking at his eyes, I served and ran the points up. By the third game of the match sweat was pouring out of us both and fatigue had set in. I had done it. I had beaten my coach in a tough, hard-fought match of handball. I was on top of the world. Those times he started Wayne Hartman instead of me, the quick kick on 3rd down, those 3-a-days in August - they were all set straight.

In retrospect, as I think about that time so long ago when I took much pride in beating Coach D, a man 30 years my senior, and a father figure to me as well, it occurs to me that I might have missed something. He never complained about a bad serve, he never whined about a shot, he never gave up. He fought hard and well against a stronger opponent. As we moved into the games, my youth and speed took it's toll but Coach stayed with it and played to the best of his ability. I feel that Coach showed me by personal example what he'd been telling me about the game of football. He knew our schedules, those teams we played. He knew. Throughout the time in that handball court that day I avoided looking at Coach D. I was all business. But once while serving, I glanced back, to see him. He was looking right at me with this sly little grin on his face. He knew.

Scott Dingman, #42

Sarasota, Florida

Brief Coach Bios
By the end of the 1976 football season Alfred University had fielded a team for 80 years; their inaugural season was 1897. At the end of that '76 season, Alex Junevich retired after 40 years as head coach. He had taken the reins in 1937 and led the Saxons to five undefeated seasons prior the 1960s. When we played Alfred, we played against an established football program.

(You can find a two-page Alex Yunevich biography in our 1968 scrapbook.)

 Beginning in 1968, Pete Mazzaferro coached the Bridgewater State Bears for 36 years, a tenure interrupted for the 1987 season by a dispute with a new college president. After the president was forced to resign for misappropriating funds that same year, Mazzaferro (known as Papa Bear) returned and coached through the 2004 season.

Here's a link to Coach Mazzaferro's wiki bio:    Pete Mazzaferro

Frank Connell, #75

Rochester, NY

BIG GAME VIDEO: 1970 Shippensburgh 30, Brockport 26

Your correspondent gets the tackle on punt coverage. Our outside cover man has done his job and closed off the sideline. 

Note the size of the Shippensburgh return man. Looks to be a big fella. 

Another photo from the Scotty Dingman Vault 

Here we have Bobby Nugent and me on the Wagner House front porch handling my last student loan check which was promptly cashed and invested in copious amounts of beer. My number was 42, so the intent was to play the money out over 42 days, which was done with a cast of many friends.

I was the only one who made the full 42 days of massive amounts of consumption; probably a record at many schools, but not Brockport.

If Coach D gets wind of this story, I'll be running 100 yard dashes in heaven !!

Scott Dingman

Sarasota, FL

Our son Dan turned 38 today. Except for two significant differences, we shared similar college athletic experiences; those differences being that he was a striker and sweeper for Cortland's soccer team. (Interestingly, while at Cortland he crossed paths with fellow Wagner housemate Ron LaDuke's daughter Katie.)

Anyway, a couple of years ago I encouraged Dan to reach out to old teammates, friends, and colleagues. He followed my advice and was very happy that he did.

On that theme, here's an excerpt from an article I came across recently.

...........a palliative care nurse, working exclusively with people who were 3 to 12 months from death....made a habit of asking them about their greatest regrets, and she heard the same five regrets time and time again.
Here is one...

They wish they had stayed in touch with their friends. When you get caught up in your weekly routine, it’s easy to lose sight of how important people are to you, especially those you have to make time for. Relationships with old friends are among the first things to fall off the table when we’re busy. This is unfortunate because spending time with friends is a major stress buster. Close friends bring you energy, fresh perspectives, and a sense of belonging, in a way that no one else can.

Happy to be a Gray Eagle!

Frank Connell, #75

Rochester, NY

BIG GAMES VIDEO: 1970 Shippensburgh 30, Brockport 26

Mike hits Fast Freddy for a long gain down the right sideline.

Patience. The video will load in just a few seconds.

It the video appears to be buffering, just hit the forward arrow in the lower left corner. If you access the full screen mode, use the icon in the lower right corner to return to small screen for a clearer view. 

BIG GAMES: Cortland, 1968

Forgive me but I feel I must bring up something I've carried with me for 50 years. You all, who have shared battles and the ensuing camaraderie of our football days will understand my need to get it off my chest.

It was the Cortland game my senior year, the 1968 season. We had fought brilliantly​ in the first half. The defense was superb, knocking heads and trading blows with a Cortland team that was good, very good. It's hard to single out players for everyone shone, but Joe Ballard, Carl Kuras, Bloomer, Bat, Buntich, Wiedl, they fought and would not give up. We knew that Cortland was a bigger school, that scholarships helped build their team. We were on the field mostly for love of the game. Both teams knew that either one of us could end up victorious. We had beat them in '67.

Late in the half we had possession of the ball, the offense had mounted one of its few drives. We were on their 30 or 40, we had time for one last play before the end of the half. In the huddle, Lipke called, "Fullback screen up the middle."

This play was probably put in the playbook because of me. I think Coach Brogan may have been behind it's insertion. Lipke would drop straight back, ends and backs would run streak patterns or down and outs to scatter the defense backs and linebackers. The line would hold, block as in any pass play. I was the only back left in the backfield to protect the QB. At precisely the right moment, I would step up towards the line and turn to look back at Lipke and he would lob the ball to me.

We didn't use it often. Surprise was a key to its working. So, it was called this last play of the half in this Cortland game. Lipke delivered the ball perfectly, as was his way. I turned up field and, as I write this to you, I can still see the red flag signaling pay dirt. I took off toward it.

The mind is an amazing thing. Traveling that distance to the goal line I see Regan Beers about to level a Cortland player and think, hey, that block shouldn't be wasted. It was not uncommon for our linemen being down field after doing their duty back at the line of scrimmage and I was used to taking advantage of that, lacking the speed of say Nugent or Oyler.

I was hit, blindsided, short of the goal line as the half ended in a 0-0 tie.

Coach D was furious with me, and rightly so. We could have been sitting in the locker room on a 7-0 lead with Tommy Weidl's extra point. This could have made all the difference, momentum being such a part of the game. The defense had been on the field most of the first half, exhaustion and lactic acid taking its toll. Cortland took the second half kickoff into our end zone for a score, I can remember lying face down in the dirt, raising my head and watching that Cortland back cross the goal line and thinking, "It's going to be a long half."

Here's my dilemma, though. It was a long second half, Cortland running up the score to a 73-6 win. Weidl's 2 field goals saving the shut out. I see much of that game in my mind, the pain and humiliation. Yet, upon checking the stats Frank has posted for us, I see we actually lost the game I've been writing about 7-6. I could not have played in the 1969 game.

Have I transposed those games to soften the blow of my not taking us into the locker room at half time with a lead ? Easier to accept my mistake if it didn't matter much in a rout, harder to take in a 1 point loss ? Stranger things have happened.

Thanks for reading, I think I feel better already. We all had hard moments on the field at Brockport, and we all survived, not only survived but flourished. The lessons we learned applied to life. Carry on, my brothers.

Scott Dingman, #42

Sarasota, FL

From the Scott Dingman Collection

Thinking of our man Doug Stokes today.

Here he is in the quad not so long ago.

Be well, Stokesy!

Quick Look: Golden Eagle Interior Linemen Weights 1969-1971

Out of curiosity, I looked at the rosters from the years I played, 1969-1971, to get an idea of our interior line size; just a quick check. For this purpose, I recorded the weights of any our our players from those rosters who were identified as C, G, T, or DT. I did not count Es or DEs. They were often found operating out of the trenches...and thus were selected for mobility and not mass.

The 1969 squad lists 45 players on the roster (!), 17 of whom are listed as interior linemen. Their average weight was 201.5 pounds.

The 1970 team lists 54 players on the roster (!), 16 of whom are listed as interior linemen. Their average weight was 204 pounds.

The 1971 team lists 47 players on the roster (!), 11 of whom are listed as interior linemen. Their average weight was 204 pounds.

Remember, these weights were recorded during our preseason physicals...before triple sessions. My recorded weights for those three seasons were 208, 200, and 210. No doubt my playing weight ranged from 190-195, tops!

Safe to say, our average playing weights along the line in those years was well below 200 pounds.

Just as interesting? Squads numbering between 45 and 55 players. Only those who really wanted to play lasted. The coaches and the spartan nature of our experience ran off the rest. Another take?

Frank Connell, #75

 

Well needless to say, the big fella from Shippensburgh featured in the May 9th video post was a load; a tough competitor with size and athleticism for the position...a real challenge for me. Sometimes I got the job done, sometimes not. Happily, he seems to have missed Mike at the end of his rush, probably because he was surprised to find so little opposition on the way in. I'm going to set aside some time and watch the two Shippensburgh games again - '70 and '71  - and see just how well I did. Nice to have them as a reality check!

There are other DTs who stand out as I remember back to my time as an OL. Slippery Rock showed up at Brockport in '71 with a troika of redwoods. Wish we had a program from that game. I am certain that they cycled three fellas who were 6'5" and 235-240 pounds into the two DT spots. I spent the entire game in survival mode, hanging on just to get in the way a bit. I'm glad we played them, but they pummeled us. Danny Elvin was a rookie QB that year. Would be interesting to hear what he has to share about that game. I know that I allowed a sack.

Slippery Rock was every bit as tough as Indiana. The cumulative Indiana score for the '68 and '69 games were 65-31 Indiana; for the '71 and '72 Slippery Rock games, 84-0 Slippery Rock.

Again, we are the richer for having played the tough PSAC schools. It's important to get a measure of oneself, a level. I liked a good test. Still do. Would bet that that's how we all are.

Did I mention that nice pass from Mike and Duke's TD run?

Frank Connell, #75

     

 

Twenty Years Ago

Here's a photo from the 1997 Coach D Lecture Night sent along all of the way from California by brother Ron Hubbard. I have not been able to identify the two men at the left and right ends of the back row. Drop me an email if you can be of help with that.

Front Row: Ron, John Bloomquist, Tom LaDuke, Bo Bertino, Bill Brooks, Jim Winterton.
Back Row: Jack Mertel, Frank Connell, Fred Carbone, George Batterson, Ron LaDuke, Steve Fisher, and Jim Cox.

Left click on the image to enlarge it.

Thanks, Hub!

BIG GAME VIDEO!

1970: Shippensburgh 30, Brockport 26.

Mike hits Duke for a long TD pass. 

Ziggy Steele is ecstatic!

Here's the back story.

Heading back to the huddle after the preceding play, I see that Duke is distressed. He's long in the face and clearly agitated. A tear is beginning to form in his right eye. I said, "Duke, what's up? You seem very unhappy."

"Frank, I haven't seen the ball all season. Butts wouldn't throw me the ball if his life depended on it."

I asked Duke if he'd like to test that hypothesis. He said, "Sure."

We knelt down and hatched a plan, drew up the play you see here. Only took a couple of minutes as we had the two of us thinking it up.

Duke was to slip out into the left flat and find an open area. Meanwhile, as Right Tackle, I was to purposely miss my block and allow the beast across from me to slash across my nose and make a beeline for Butts, who will be exposed and compromised enough that he'll have to call 911 and toss a ball to Duke.

Worked like a charm.

(Editor's Note: This was not the only time I was able to call an audible that resulted in a TD, as we will find out some time down the road.)

Frank Connell, #75

Class of 1972

Rochester, NY

I believe that the 'M' in Vermont stands for D3 Middlebury College and that's Brown University (Ivy League) in Rhode Island. Left-click to enlarge.

Frank

1970: Brockport 27 - Bridgewater 0

Several weeks ago we posted a notice about the big game our defense had against Bridgewater in 1970, specifically mentioning Bill Kreger's four interceptions, the defensive backfield's seven, and the fact that Bill's seven for the season was a record at that time. The record is now nine.

Here we have a D&C report about the game. Seems the offense showed up, as well. Some familiar names seen here from that side of the ball. Mssrs. Lashbrook (#22) and Casullo (#44) need no introductions. Bill Leavey (#25) was a slippery little back who, I'm told, was a three-sport MVP his senior year at Tappan Zee High School, north of NYC on the west side of the Hudson. I almost got Billy killed at Curry that same season. But that's another story.

Thanks to Jim Rudgers for sharing this item from his collection. Left click on the image to enlarge it.

Frank Connell, #75
Class of 1972
Rochester, NY

I wanted to say I really enjoyed reading the story about the one beer had by some in Coach D's presence and while still riding a team bus back to Brockport written by Ed Assenheimer with Mike Canale's addendum. I could see Coach walking up and down the bunch of you in the parking lot. That look on his face we've all seen, or have we. Pete Barton's follow up comment about 25 years of service and no match to that anger hits home. Being a big fan of W. C. Fields I would name that story " The Fatal Glass of Beer "

Here's a picture of Coach D driving by in his car. Left-click to enlarge.

Scott Dingman

Class of '69

Next post Monday, the 8th.

Food for Thought

Find here a list of some of our opponents (and us) and the first year they fielded a football team in competition.

Alfred                                                   1897

Bridgewater MA                                  1960

Brockport                                             1947

Clarion PA                                           1926

Cortland                                               1893

Grove City PA                                     1892

Indiana PA                                           1896

Slippery Rock PA                                1898

Bridgewater is one of 100 colleges in the greater Boston area.

All-Time Game Histories and Series Records for Alfred, Bridgewater, Brockport, Clarion, Cortland, Grove City, and Slippery Rock have been added and now appear as Scrapbooks in the right hand column of our blog.

THE MAN IN THE ARENA 

Want to take an opportunity to revisit John's words about the famous Theodore Roosevelt quote he shared in April.

Those words always touch me to my core. Anyone who truly has competed knows exactly what they mean, when one gives their full measure, successful or not, and then continually goes back to the well with the effort to get it right. I feel that it is the essence of what Coach taught me and all my brother Gray Eagles, what we all continue to carry in our hearts and efforts today and why we still give homage to that great man, so much more than a football coach. It is what separates us from those who have never run the course but think they know the game.

John Owens, #86

Class of 1972

Jamestown, NY

...and follow with this, which seems especially appropriate after listening to our speakers Friday night; John, Bo Bertino, Jim Cox, Jim Rudgers, Len Jankiewicz, and Gerry D'Agostino.


"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."

Dr. Seuss

The Gray Eagle

Played football at Brockport College sometime from 1964 - 1973
Survived triple sessions in late August heat wearing full pads
Played for the love of the game, certainly not fortune or fame.

He knows that another Saturday brought another big challenge
Work harder, hit more, run at least 10 100-yard sprints in practice
You might stand a chance to reach the victory circle again.

To him football must have been more than just a game!

Bloomer, #34

Class of 1969
Brockport, NY

First my compliments on the blogspot, really enjoy reading the stories from the players. The stories and names bring back many good memories from practices, games, moments with the coaching staff, and many great memories of team-mates.

Just finished reading Ed Assenheimer's and Mike Canale’s story about ordering beer at the restaurant on the way home following the ’73 win at Bridgewater. I know I and the guys at my table enjoyed beer as much as anybody, but we all agreed having one that night was not a good idea and did not join in on the order. I had a 35 year career as a police officer, but am not sure I have ever seen anyone as angry as Coach D was that night! While we were being lambasted in the parking lot, we all had mixed emotions; fear of what was to come, realization that the beer was the wrong thing to do, and legitimately embarrassed and ashamed we had so disappointed the coach. To refresh Ed's and Mike’s memory, we all stayed for the sprints at Monday’s practice. We didn’t enjoy it and Coach D really ran us, but that is what team-mates do.

 As an aside, one of the things that sticks out in my mind from that game was that it was a very good, very close game and late in the forth quarter we really needed the offense to control the clock and make a time consuming drive. We were out of time outs so on a second and long Tri-Captain Jeff Crane (tight end and as tough as they come) faked an injury so the offense got a rest. Coach D and our QB (I think Dan Elvin?) were able to meet and drew up a play that got the first down. We ran out the clock and won the game.

Go Gray Eagles!

Pete Barton, #32

B’port Football 71-74

Class of 75
Wayland, NY

For the Dual Threat Album

While several of us continued to buckle up and, with abandon, throw our bodies about on various gridirons across the countryside, our man Jim donned his shorts and scampered around the hard courts in the Batavia area tossing down copious barrages of buckets and maneuvering into top place on the scoring charts at this point in the 72-73 Industrial League season. Jimmy was a man for all seasons!

Toward the bottom of the list I find a teammate from the 1968 Frosh baseball team, Stan Sherwood, who played shortstop for us. I believe that Stan played basketball at Brockport, went on to play at the Varsity level in baseball, and to teach and become an AD in the Byron-Bergen district, if I'm not mistaken. Good athlete, good man.

Note: I was not one who went on and played more football after school. I was well aware that my skeletal parts were no longer up to the adventure. A series about those Gray Eagles who went on to play for the Lockport Travelers, Lackawanna Jets, Watertown Red and Black, Rochester Wolves, and other teams would be interesting.

Frank Connell, #75 

BIG GAME VIDEO!

Shippensburg 30, Brockport 26

John Owens Returns Interception 80 Yards for Touchdown!

Ziggy Steele is Ecstatic!

(1970) We had the Red Raiders beat that afternoon; lost the game in the last few minutes. Johnny had his big interception return that day. Your intrepid reporter has reached out to the big fella and gathered his recollections of that play.

John loved to play this defense. It allowed him to drop back into coverage and play DB when the play rolled away from his DE spot. He recalls that that year the defense was a tightly-knit, cohesive group that rotated well as a unit, a factor in their season long interceptions record.

As you watch the play unfold, the QB has no idea that John is back there, hiding in the weeds. Meanwhile, our boy Ziggy is getting a strong push from the right side. The pass is hurried and misdirected. John snags it and is off down the sideline.

John reports that he expected to be caught and tackled every step of the way and, after a couple of fortunate blocks thrown by our guys near the ball free him up initially, it's hard to disagree with #86 as several Raiders have a shot at him. But somehow they never get to him.  

Down the sideline our boy races...past would-be tacklers, past his excited parents - Mom had to be dragged out of harm's way as a Raider flew by after missing a tackle - and into the end zone, arms raised in triumph and relief. The Man of Steele is there to greet him.  

(Editor's Note: Some of us have a DVD with the Shippensburg Football Program game videos against us in 1970 and 1971. The production value has been compromised by the transfer of imagery from 16mm to VHS tape to DVD. What you see here is a smartphone video recording from the replay of the DVD. Clarity is obviously an issue, and I am told that perceived speed is also a victim. The game is replayed in slow motion to a degree. Still, it's nice to have these clips. I'll share one each week for awhile.)

Frank

This is a story from the 1973 season. An early season game, at Bridgewater State. They were playing their first night game in a new stadium - we beat them. But, that's not the story.

Dinner was at a restaurant where we sat mostly in groups of four, so we were scattered throughout the dining room. Being in a celebrative mood the captains, Jeff Crane, Mike Canale, and Ed Assenheimer, discussed having a victory beer with some of the other vets and we agreed that if we pay for it (one beer) it should be okay, (drinking age was 18), as long as no one under 18 had a beer. For the record, Mike had a Heineken. Maybe a little less than half the players ordered a beer. We figured we had covered all the bases. I am sure most of you realize the one significant oversight in our thinking. I'm sure you are thinking we were dumb asses to even think this would be OK with Coach D.

We walked out of the restaurant towards the bus across a gravel parking lot, and Coach D announced he wanted every player who had had a beer to line up outside the bus. Needless to say, he was hot as hell! We're all lined up and he's walking up and down the line, kicking the gravel as he went - I think one rock (they weren't the small pebbles) went flying and bounced off a bus tire. Well, he's fuming about how embarrassed he is. He should have us doing sprints, right there in the parking lot ... and I'm thinking to myself, or should I say praying to God, "He'll do it. God, these younger players don't know that he'll do it. God, please don't let him do it." That was an honest to goodness prayer to God. I was sweating bullets of fear. Then came the, "I should make you walk home!" Again, those thoughts, "He'll do it. God, he'll do it. Please God, don't let him do it."

Mike recalls a few other details of the story...

First, he isn't going to let a story of this game go by without this reminder. I can’t forget this - that I intercepted a pass and was "streaking down the sideline" and all of a sudden a guy hits me from behind and knocks me down! It was you (he is referring to me, Assie), my teammate, fellow captain and linebacker, #51!!! I would have scored. You said you were trying to block some guy who was trying to tackle me. I didn’t see anyone.

It had been raining hard and he walked through a puddle that looked like it was water up to his knees. I also think Fred Ciaburri was still in the bathroom and Coach D was going to leave him, until he came running out to the bus at the last possible moment. Coach D was pissed and we knew it - there was not much talking all the way back to B-port. After Sunday game films the captains met with the coaching staff, well, primarily with Coach D. We explained our point of view about the beer. Coach Hutter also talked to him after we did. I think Coach D told us that he "thought it was wrong but there would be no penalty". We told the team that Coach D was OK with it and no penalty. When we got done with Monday’s practice, before going in to shower, Coach D says, "OK ALL YOU BEER DRINKERS - GET ON THE LINE". We knew we were toast! I remember running MANY 100 yd sprints - until guys started puking. I don’t remember if the whole team ran, or just the beer drinkers. Needless to say, we never had a beer as a team win after that with Coach D.

Ed Assenheimer, #51

Mike Canale, #62 

From the Scott Dingman Vault:

Scotty, Bob Nugent, and Dan Massey on the front porch of Wagner House.

Edith Wagner was, as I recall,  a school teacher whose cozy home for Brockport football players sat at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Perry Street, across from Hartwell. The four upstairs bedrooms and bath provided enough in the way of accommodations for six 'students'....and  Mrs. Wagner.

Mssrs. Dingman, Massey, and Nugent moved on. The '69-'70 Wagner House crew included Mike Driscoll, Phil Haberstro, Ron LaDuke, Gene Oyler, Ray Robinson and myself.

Whilst sparkling up for the day and looking for a place on the sink to rest one's toothbrush, one often found the prime real estate already occupied by Mother Wagner's teeth.

Full Wagner House roster for '68-'69?

                                                                                                                                                 Frank, #75

President Al Brown has passed away. Here are his comments to the student body found in the 1969 game programs.

Those who are representing the State University College at Brockport in sports this year are contributing much time and energy to our college. For this, they gain physical conditioning and have repeated opportunities to increase maturity and wisdom through experiences of individual and group efforts against adversity. The knowledge gained from these lessons of working together will assist throughout life.

Spectators find in sports a rallying point for much of what we call school spirit, and a sizable part of social life for many institutions is built around the sports schedule.

At Brockport, we have a long tradition of preparing teachers of physical education on a professional basis. We wish to eventually bring the benefits of participation in sports to our entire student body and are now studying our intramural programs and general service requirements to see if this is possible.

I know that each student at Brockport, whether on a team or not, is proud of our institution and will contribute throughout the year to its reputation, standards, and its successes.

Wayne Hartman was a thorn in my side. I'll tell you why.

I played defense all through my Fulton High School days, outside linebacker. We ran a 5-4-2; two inside linebackers, and two corner backs who rotated with the flow of the opponents actions. The flow came towards me, I went for the ball. If I couldn't make the tackle, I turned it inside for my teammates. Flow went away from me, I dropped back to cover that back third against a pass. The two safeties had the other 2/3 of the field. No flow, we had a call from defensive huddle that went into affect, Leo was left, Rip was right. I started most every game on defense; not bad for a scrawny little kid. I was 3rd string fullback but rarely got in the game at that position, let alone run the ball.

My freshman year at Brockport, 1965, was a disaster for me personally. Though I loved defense, I'd decided I wanted to run the ball. I played some fullback, as we ran a T formation in those days. I actually played many positions in practice, but never made it on to the game field; not one play.

Somehow in 1966 I got recognized, listed on the program at an embellished 5' 6", 159 lbs. I was on the field a lot, my confidence was growing strong.

By the '67 season I'm starting in a few games, playing at least a bit in all games, and helping to man every special team - kickoffs, short man receiving kickoffs, punts and punt returns, extra points, field goals....and the dreaded quick kicks. My hopes for a regular starting position looked good from my vantage point and I'd beefed up to a solid 180 pounds. Couldn't​ do much about the height or the speed. Yet, I was hopeful.

Enter Wayne Hartman. That baby face and smile he wore kinda made you like him right off, and I did, yet I had this sense of foreboding. He was bigger, faster and I noticed Coach D using him more and more in practice instead of me. I was worried. I approached Coach D and said, "Coach, I see you're​ using Hartman in my place at fullback. I feel this is going to infringe on my playing time." His response, "Hell, Scott. We're just gonna put him in at the start of the game to soften up those big boys, then we'll put you in." I naively bought it.

My starting days were over, Wayne and I shared duties at the 4 back position, and he saved me from more than one painful defensive back's wrath. He did one hell of a job on "softening up those big boys." I got to play enough to keep me happy. I loved the special teams, and even Wayne occasionally​ got tired. Really though, by my senior year Coach D had gotten into my hard head something he did, I think, for all of us. We were a team. We supported each other for the good of the team. A life's lesson much more important than what was ever reflected on any scoreboard.

Scott Dingman, #42

Class of 1969

Sarasota, FL

(The photo features Scotty in action.)

ANOTHER LOOK AT CLARION STATE FOOTBALL

It's interesting to take a measure of our old opponents, to see how well they were doing when we played them, and against whom they were playing. Use the link to find Clarion's Series Records against All Opponents over the years, and the Game Scores for each of their seasons.

Clarion Football goes back to 1926.

Series records vs. All Opponents and Clarion Gridiron Seasons

Link:

http://www.clariongoldeneagles.com/documents/2010/7/8/Lettermen.pdf?id=112

Frank

BIG GAMES: 1967 Clarion PA 17, Brockport 0

Each generation of Coach D's players had their own big time college division games...other than our Cortland rivalry. Our fathers had Shepherd, and probably Southern Connecticut. My generation had Indiana and Slippery Rock. The 1967 squad - 27-20 victors over Cortland -  had So Conn and Clarion State PA...and our nemesis, Alfred, of course.

A letter home to the folks.......(I'm on the frosh team.)

Saturday, September 23, 1967

"...The Varsity left last night for Clarion State College in Pennsylvania. Clarion State has a tough football squad and they are ranked by many in the 'top ten' in the small college circuit nationwide. Last year they were invited to the Tangerine Bowl."

Later in the letter...

"...Just got word that the Varsity beat Clarion State!"

Monday, September 25, 1967

"...I regret to report that I erred in my last letter. Clarion State beat us 17-0 on Saturday. However, I should say that Clarion is ranked eighth in small college football."

 (Editor's Note: Clarion may well have been invited to the 1966 Tangerine Bowl, but a check of the Tangerine Bowl (now Citrus) history has Morgan State beating West Chester PA 14 - 6.)

Any memories of that game, fellas?

Frank Connell, #75

Class of 1972

Rochester, NY

It's really great to be able to read about all of our former teammates and remember Brockport Football.

I could tell lots of stories about having the honor of playing for Coach D'Agostino at Brockport. I have many fond memories of the practices, games, college parties, friends and crazy fun we had when we were 18-21 years old.

I actually learned more about life on the Brockport football field than I did studying and receiving my Undergraduate Degree, Masters Degree and Doctorate of Education Degree. Coach D'Agostino, our coaches and teammates taught us about determination, discipline, character, sacrifice and self-confidence. This knowledge is what decides a person's success or failure in life.

When we were in our late teens we were just beginning to find out who we were. Coach D', Coach MacIntyre, Coach Brogan, Coach Johnson and the other coaches were in a position to have a major impact on shaping our lives, self-confidence and our future.

The reason Coach D' is still idolized by all of us after fifty years is a tremendous compliment to him. There are very few coaches in America who still command such reverence from their former players.

I came to Brockport in 1965. I was a very good high school player from Kenmore West in Buffalo. I even made the All Niagara Frontier Team. However, I was a tough kid who lacked personal confidence.

Coach D' changed all of the confidence issues for me. Coach D' [and his coaching staff] never said a negative word to me. That was incredibly influential on a young kid who idolized Coach D'Agostino. His confidence in me resulted in me learning to play with "reckless abandon". I started as nose guard in our 5-4 defense and left inside guard in or 6-3 defense. I had a great football career at Brockport. I made the All-East Team in the 1967 Mansfield Game. I then played semi-pro football with some of our team mates in 1972. I made the All Empire State Team. I served time in the National Guard and then came back to continue my post-graduate studies at Brockport.

After graduation, I went on to have a successful career as a teacher, football coach, principal and Superintendent of Schools. I served as Superintendent for 16 years in three different school districts.

Coach D'Agostino used to say to us, "The game of football is like the game of life." I learned as I got older and had a career in education that he was so correct.

During my career in education I had many challenging times and difficult people to deal with. I knew nothing or anyone could be more challenging then the triple sessions that we experienced in pre-season training at Brockport each August. There are very few people who could have endured that and not quit. This experience and the confidence and love Coach D'Agostino showed for me made me a success in life.

I also met my best friends forever on the Brockport football field. They endured the challenges of the triple-sessions, hard practices and challenging games as I did. Bo Bertino, and Fred Carbone are my best friends forever. We have been so close from college years and would die for each other. Chris Jenson and Dave Lipkee are also life-time friends as are all of the "Gray Eagles" who played for Coach D'Agostino.

This says a lot for Coach D'Agostino. He made us his disciples and sent us out in our careers to instill confidence and success for all the children we had contact with. It is an awesome legacy for him

I am so happy and honored to be able to be in contact with you and all of our former teammates. We all share a common bond after our experiences playing at Brockport. We are part of a unique fraternity of "tough guys" who endured many challenges that make us a unique brotherhood.

God bless all of you. I am sure Coach D' is looking down from heaven. He is proud that we have continued to promote his teachings and legacy.

Bat, #73 

Class of 1969

Kenmore, NY

(Editor's Note: I'm really milking this thread.)

Jim and I meet for coffee at Jay's Diner in Brighton about once a month. In March Jim brought a collection of clippings he'd found recently that his dad had kept from Jim's playing days at Brockport. Jim was very happy to have the Mansfield Game article in the batch, and I immediately saw 'blog gold'. I took them home with me in the manila folder Jim had used, clutching it tightly on the way to my truck.

Once home I discovered that the Mansfield clipping had gone missing. A frantic search of the folder, the path from the truck, and the truck yielded nothing. I repeated the process. Nothing. I was most unhappy; first for Jim, and then for me. I called Jim to report the tragedy. He passed it off; said he was sorry it was gone but that he hadn't even known that he had the clipping a few days before. What a guy.

This did not sit well with me. A call to Jay's Diner was not fruitful. So, there was nothing for it but to make the twenty minute return drive to Jay's...all the way from North Greece to West Henrietta Road...to see if I might somehow - against stiff odds - find it. I arrived about an hour after I'd left and found my parking spot still open. Jay's is a busy place so this is most unusual. As I steered into it, I kept my eyes peeled for the clipping. Nothing. I opened the truck door, looked down, and there it was....a flimsy 2x2-inch piece of newsprint.... lying in some sloppy snow melt...wet, but otherwise unharmed!

Eureka!

Just think! Absent finding that clipping, we go without a most entertaining thread the past few days!

During my life, that fortunate, very lucky recovery of the Mansfield Game clipping is matched only by the time I won a case of Heath Bars (Toffee!!) on an altar boy trip to Playland Amusement Park, in Rye NY. (One case equaled 144 bars!!)

Oh...I'd better add here...also matched by the time I first met Bonnie at The Roxbury.

Frank Connell, #75

Class of 1972

Rochester, NY

Our expose about the missed field goal against Mansfield has elicited a couple of responses from snappers, and a development wholly unexpected.  

From Tim Bobsein:
I just hope it has nothing to do with the snap.

And Pete Coppini:
I read the latest blogs on the Mansfield game. I was the long snapper in the 1970 Mansfield game. It could be the snap for the field goal attempt was bad causing the timing to be off. You can always blame the center.

And then this from Gary:

... the missed kick was my fault and poor Rudgers took all the heat. I can still see those puffy cheeks and red face all the while he was yelling at me. 

and this:

Just for the record, I didn't miss the tee. I placed the ball too far forward and it fell off the tee. If Rudgers feet were a little bigger, he would have made the kick before the ball fell off.

Sounds reasonable, Gary.

And, Gary...As someone who was doing his job on that play...and who never ever missed an assignment, never ever missed a block, and always, always created a wide swath of daylight for our backs, I'm unable to identify with your eff-up that day. Still, thanks for stepping up and relieving Gene of the blame.

That's our boy getting the best of his man in the '69 Ithaca scrimmage, a 29-7 victory for the good guys.

Frank

(Editor's note: Hiccup here...seems we have a skeptic; not necessarily a bad thing. Here he is.)  

Hold on, Frank! Not so fast!!

Do I detect some bias? To me, the photo presented offers no absolute evidence that The Ball was placed "perfectly" on the tee. From the angle taken, the view of the tee is somewhat blocked. Just as in the NFL, multiple angles are required for irrefutable evidence for an absolute conclusion. I can only assume you intend to offer up further evidence on Monday.

This much I will say. To my untrained eyes both Rudgers and Laudenslager appear to be in perfect form. Rodgers (oops) in particular is obviously on balance with his left leg and has achieved full extension with the right. His clenched fists indicate how seriously he obviously took his responsibility to be our game savior! Casullo has more experience as a Special team Coach than any of us. Perhaps he can weigh in and compare this duo to the likes of Sebastian Janikowski, whom he coached to many records. I am attaching a photo of "Sea Bass" for a side by side comparison. I think you will agree that Rudgers' form is just as pretty as this future Hall of Famer.

John Owens, #86

Class of 1972

Jamestown, NY

BIG GAMES: 1970 Mansfield 21, Brockport 20 Part II

Let us conclude.

When last we left you, dear reader, the positions of the feuding parties had been delineated. On the one hand, we had the complaint registered by Mr. Gene Rudgers, who insisted that his long time friend and holder, Mr. Gary Laudenslager, had missed the tee when presenting the ball for the BIG CHIP SHOT GAME WINNING FIELD GOAL TRY, thereby causing Mr. Rudgers to mishit the ball and miss the field goal.

On the other, we have the defendant, Mr. Laudenslager, claiming that he had presented the ball perfectly on the tee and that Mr. Rudgers, possibly distracted by a duck of unknown origin and species hobbling around nearby, had simply missed the kick.

Today we present you with the incontrovertible photographic evidence that solves the controversy. Here we have a photo that captures the moment in question; a photo that coincidentally was taken by Gene Rudger's father. Ironically, one can see clearly and undeniably that Mr. Loudenslager has placed the ball perfectly on the tee, that Mr. Rudgers has a perfectly-placed ball to work with, a ball so perfectly placed as to almost absolutely result in a game-winning field goal. Almost.

It would seem that the long-standing and most controversial episode in Golden and Gray Eagle history has been laid to rest.

Couple of other points of interest from the photo. It seems that, at this late stage of the game, Butts has already showered and dressed.....and is helping out with the yard sticks!! That certainly looks like our boy in the dark jacket! And just behind Butts, on the grassy knoll; take a close look. Is that the duck of unknown origin and species?

The rest of the story...and a key development...on Monday.

BIG GAMES: 1970 Mansfield 21, Brockport 20

Introductorally, the editorial staff would like you to know that the enclosed photocopy is the most prized and valuable artifact housed in our collection, one that is kept in a hermetically sealed case and held under lock and key in a safety deposit box in a bank known only to the Gray Eagle office staff. Even your correspondent and editor lacks the security clearance required to locate and access this artifact.  

This clipping is the only known original and authentic copy of the Rochester Times Union report of a Brockport State game that is the mother lode of events that illustrate the ups and downs characteristic of the program's history and the players' experiences; one that provides clear and incontrovertible evidence of  an oft-told, truly inexplicable and, without-a-doubt, the most controversial episode found in Golden Eagle lore, the famous Missed Game-Winning Big Game Kick of 1970. 

Let us begin.    

Before there was Scott Norwood, there was Gene Rudgers. And before there was Gene Rudgers, there was a rock-'em, sock-'em game of football. Mansfield, a member of the tough PSAC, had come to town looking to feast on bird. They were treated to a game bird alright, and the fight was on.

BIFF! POW! BOOM! The teams battled up and down the field all afternoon. Down 21-14 late in the game and eschewing a third-down punt, we scored when Butts hit Duke with a beautiful pass, bringing us within a point of the Mountaineers, and the crowd to the ropes surrounding the field. Again eschewing the punt, we went for two but, according to one of our featured actors in this drama, the flight path of a duck of unknown origin and species intersected with that of another Driscoll pass, the ball dropped harmlessly to the ground, and the duck exited stage-left. It looked like we were on the ropes, but a few minutes remained.

BIFF! POW! BOOM! The Golden Eagle defense pounded the Mounty offense and held. We had the ball back and our O-Line proceeded to carve up the opposition. With thirteen seconds to go and the ball within chip-shot range for a field goal, we again eschewed the punt, and the aforementioned Gene Rudgers - until now a stalwart of the line - motioned for his pal, holder Gary Loudenslager. It is at this very point that the game - and our hopes - collapse under the weight of the unfolding drama, accounts of what transpired diverge, and our story enters the pantheon of fantastical Golden Eagle lore.

It goes unsaid that the ill-fated kick sailed wide right. To this day, Gene claims that Gary missed the tee when placing the ball, setting it down a full three inches right of center, thus forcing Gene to swipe at the ball rather than follow through directly. Gene claims that he pulled a groin muscle in the act, and his abilities were diminished for the remainder of the season.

For his part, Gary insists that his placement was dead-on and that Gene, possibly distracted by a duck of unknown origin and species hobbling around in the end zone, simply missed the kick.

Well, the primary actors in this drama have long entertained us with their contradictory and hyperbolic accounts of this episode. And some of us have long wondered what actually happened back there, as we were just going about our business protecting these two .....

...until recently, when photographic evidence emerged that captured the precise moment in question.

We'll have that picture for you soon!

Frank Connell, #75

Right Tackle doing his job on that play

Rochester, NY

Note:

Aspects of this account have been fact-checked by Mike Driscoll, Ron LaDuke, and John Owens. Mike reports that the aforementioned touchdown pass was, indeed, a beautiful one. Duke reports that it was the only one he saw from Butts all season. Johnny confirms the BIFF! POW! BOOM! that characterized the game and claims to have told Coach to, and I quote, "eschew the punt" on all three aforementioned occasions.

THE MAN IN THE ARENA
Excerpt from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic"
delivered by Teddy Roosevelt at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on 23 April, 1910

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

shared by John Owens, #86
Class of '72

Jamestown, NY

An added comment from John...

Those words always touch me to my core. Anyone who truly has competed knows exactly what they mean, when one gives their full measure, successful or not, and then continually goes back to the well with the effort to get it right. I feel that it is the essence of what Coach taught me and all my brother Gray Eagles, what we all continue to carry in our hearts and efforts today and why we still give homage to that great man, so much more than a football coach. It is what separates us from those who have never run the course but think they know the game.

THE SIDELINE 
A semi-regular collection of comments gleaned here and there from the musings of our brothers.

Alfred is on our mind these days. Here's a note from Bloomer.

We never beat the Saxons in my four years. We always played them tough and they played us tough. It was a night game at Alfred. Ed Woods quick-kicked it 82 yards and Phil Hussion blocked a punt with his head and went to sleep for three days.  Both benches were on the same side of the field and their coach (Yunevich) and coach D were yelling at one another. The best thing about the trip to Alfred was eating at the Big Elms Restaurant (Hornell).

John Bloomquist, #34

Class of 1969

Brockport, NY

As it turns out, we never beat Alfred during Coach D's ten-year tenure as head coach. When looking at wins and losses, we were to Alfred what Bridgewater was to us. But while Bridgewater gave us a game infrequently, our performances against Alfred were usually competitive. In fact, the '70, '71, and '72 games were the only ones with score differentials that suggests we weren't in those games. The '72 score, 51-19, was the only blow-out. Over the 10-year period, the score differential was 240-87. What's interesting is the fact that we beat their seasonal competitors Ithaca (27-7), Hobart, and U of R (Don't remember - I'm told.) in preseason scrimmages in '69, '70, and '71. 

March 30, 2017

Bill Assenheimer Passes

Bill Assenheimer, beloved brother of our good friend and Gray Eagle Ed Assenheimer, passed away on March 25th. Gray Eagles who played during the mid-60s will remember Bill (#55) as a most worthy opponent, a fierce, hard-hitting linebacker for the Alfred Saxons from 1965 through 1968.

Carl Kuras tells us that, as the team watched film in preparation for the Alfred game at Alfred, they were all very impressed with the prospected All-American linebacker named Assenheimer. Carl recalls, "He was so respected by us and a great player. Joe Ballard and I were co-captains and we walked out onto the field for the coin toss. The official doing the coin toss said, 'Captain Ballard and Captain Kuras, shake hands with Captain Assenheimer.' It was my honor and, with great respect, we shook hands. I never forgot that moment due to the respect I had for a great player." 

The Green and Gold remember you too well, Bill. Rest in peace.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Assenheimer family.

BIG GAMES: October 7, 1967 Freshman Game at Alfred

How I Remember and Tell the Story:

It's the second half and I'm getting some playing time at end. Returning to the huddle after a passing play, I notice that our QB, Mike Driscoll, is on the ground and our lineman are gathering around. My heart leaps into my throat. Panic sets in. I say a silent non-denominational prayer for Butts and myself punctuated with expletives. You see, for some stupid reason, one of many with which I've been complicit over the years, I had tried out for QB (and end) and now, due to attrition only, I was the completely inexperienced back-up, and possibly mere seconds away from sure humiliation and possible destruction. Oh, the horror! Get up, Mike!

A couple of the fellas got Mike to his feet, but he'd been blasted and is groggy. Blood is running out of his mouth. I recall Duke starting to lead Butts off the field and remember drifting into the middle of the huddle with the idea of calling a 3rd-down dive play so that I might leave the field with some dignity.

Thankfully, Coach Pannagio was simpatico and fully cognizant of the probable outcome should I step up behind our center, Nick Scali, and take the snap. While I continued watching with diminishing hope as Duke lead a stumbling Mike off the field, I spot Pannagio who is yelling full throatedly in Duke's direction, "NOT CONNELL! NOT CONNELL!"

Duke spun Butts around, led him back to the huddle, and our half-conscious QB called and executed the last play of the series better than I could have possessing all of my (admittedly limited) faculties.

How I Described It in a Letter Home:

Sunday, October 8, 1967 (page 3)

(I came across this letter recently. As with everything else, it had been duly saved, cataloged, and posted by my father in one of the sixty or more family albums.)

"...I was scared within an inch of my life during the Alfred game. We have two quarterbacks on the team - Mike Driscoll and Phil Taylor - and me. Just before game time I was told that Phil was hurting and couldn't play and that I'd better be ready to fill in if Mike got hurt. Well, 'long about the second quarter I looked back from running a pass pattern to see Mike had gotten smeared by defensive linemen. When I got back to the huddle Mike was bleeding badly from the mouth and trying to leave the game for a few seconds. He thought better of it after glancing at me (I was probably white as a sheet.) and called our last play of the series. Then he left. Luckily, he was ready to play when we got the ball again."

It is my belief that, though I have a vivid imagination, the recollection is accurate. It fits neatly with other Panaggio-Connell commentary, an example of which I shall share in the future. My more tempered description of events in the letter allowed my parents a more positive view of their son, earned or not.

Frank Connell, #75

Class of 1972

Rochester, NY