A COACH D TEAM - If you look closely, you will read your name below somewhere. That’s why we’re still together!

Offensive Linemen
They had to be the greatest teammates anyone could ever ask for. While glory went to everyone else they kept their head up and charged, meanwhile the defense beat on them using their hands to rip and pull. They protected the QB, opened holes for the backs, held off stunts and blitzes while others could read their names in the paper. The center made sure the QB got the ball safely only to get a defensive forearm in his grill when he raised his head. They are the main reason for a decent offensive game. THANK YOU.

Defense
At Brockport we were asked to defend against larger, faster and stronger opponents almost every game. The defensive line would be scarred with welts, bleeding from nose bridge cuts, hands and forearms tore to pieces while they dug in and gave their all play after play. They were true blood and mud teammates.

Our linebackers were concussed after just a few plays, but never missed a down. By games end their helmets were more the color of the opposing team from the constant hits. They were often blindsided, double teamed and clipped. The enemy came from all sides while their tackle kept the backs from getting loose in the secondary. They loved being in the middle of it!

Our defensive backs were given the task of covering some fleet footed receivers and make TD saving tackles. They were fearless going full speed against larger running backs and lead blockers. Their tackles weren’t tackles, they were explosions which echoed across the campus. Their helmets had deep grooves left from hits and even completely split open. No other team hit like that. As my paisan buddies say, “They were Hit Men!”

To the concussed defensive guys who gave the offense back the ball and were so instrumental in our great victories….THANK YOU!

Running Backs
I really shouldn’t leave them out. Wouldn’t everyone want to be a star running back? At Brockport you were taught to hit and grind for every yard. There was never a back stepping out of bounds before a hit. To fight for every last inch meant several extra helmets stuck into your ribs, back, head etc., but they never went down easy. They had more bruises and welts than anyone!

Playing Both Ways

What warriors they were!

That leaves us receivers and QBs !!!

Bo Bertino, #80

Class of 1969

Pittsford, NY