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