ELHS Athletic History by Decade 1960's
1960-1961
First Year - Robert Jarvis Supt., Elwyn Doubleday Principal The doors opened in the fall of 1960 with the Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior classes only, therefore 1961 did NOT graduate a class as the seniors still attended the schools that had been attending, Classical, Trade, Tech, Commerce Cathedral etc. The only varsity sport was Hockey, coached by John Coons. There was no Yearbook or any statistics published that year.
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/26/1961
had an entry that is perhaps the first noted athlete from East Longmeadow High School:
Linda Valade was recognized as an excellent gymnast, taking first place on the balance beam, and finishing third in the free exercise while competing in the State Championship Girls Gymnastics tournament held at East Longmeadow’s brand new gymnasium.
East Longmeadow finished third behind state champions Longmeadow and runner up Minnechaug. Wellsley was fourth, Mt Everett fifth, Weymouth sixth and Tantasqua seventh. Also competing were Wareham, North Brookfield, Quincy, West Springfield and Holyoke high schools.
Joyce Longo and Sue Ouellette tied for third in the side horse vaulting. J Bates finished third in tumbling.
Bruce Mackechnie was a member of the junior class in the first year at ELHS. He played soccer, basketball and baseball.
Baseball: 6-3 Coach Camp
Captain R. Trinceri
Records were not noted due to partial season.
Jrs. Mullen, Burgess, Congdon, Trinceri, Machechnie Bruce, Hickey, Manferdini, Doubleday
Sos. Steele, Carlson Bob, Cosman, Homicz, Prendergast Mike
Track: 0-6 Coach Dutille
Scored 3 points in W’ Mass tournament
Golf: Intramural 10 players Coach Gene Gauthier
League Champion Phil Hoag
1961-1962
Second Year - Robert Jarvis Supt., Elwyn Doubleday Principal
The first graduating class of the new East Longmeadow High School.
Baseball: 10-5 Coach Robert Camp, John Katsoulis
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/17/1962 EL failed to have anyone selected to the year’s All League All Star teams.
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/24/1962 Bob Carlson
(Pitcher 6-1) was selected to the All-WM Small Schools team. Bob finished fourth among the small school pitchers. EL finished 7th among the small schools with a 10-5 record.
Bob Steele finished with a .319 batting average.
School Record:
Most runs by a team in a single game: 23 runs against Southwick:
“In 1961, the baseball record of 23 runs in a game against Southwick was because Southwick was in the same boat we were in the previous year. Only 9th, 10th and 11th graders for the same reason. I know because I pitched that game. Wouldn't the Red Sox pitchers love that kind of run support? I struck out a little, short, fat kid named Dexter for the last out… I felt bad.”
Bruce Mackechnie
Basketball: 9-10 Coach Robert Troutman, Robert Camp
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/18/1962
There were no EL players chosen for either All-WM or All-League
Hockey: 13-0-2 Coach John Coons, Gene Gauthier
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/1962 Tom Benton (goal), Steve Forbush (wing) and Fred Hawley (wing) were selected to the All-WM Hockey team with honorable mention going to John Gurney. Stars Benton, Forbush and Hawley were selected for their overall fine play in leading the Spartans to their division scoring race with 27 points, one point behind winner Mulhaney from Westfield who had 18 goals and 10 assists. Forbush scored 14 goals and had 14 assists, while Hawley had 16 goals and 12 assists.
The hockey team went undefeated and won the Wright Division behind All Western Massachusetts first team goalie Tom Benton, also named Wright Division Best Goalie. Tom had three shutouts; Fred Hawley, Steve Forbush and James Manning each had hat-tricks.
Captain Peter Rouette
Football: 2-4 Coach John Coons, James Redmond, Fred Folgren, and Robert Troutman
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/09/1962
All League Suburban League Dave Lalima, utility, Skip Holmes utility.
All W’Mass Dave LaLima, All-WM honorable mention Skip Holmes
Leading scorer Dave Lalima 4 TD’s 2 PAT’s,
leading Receiver Dave Lalima 15 passes 298 yards
Soccer: 6-5-2 Coach Charles Campbell (called to active duty), John Roan took over.
The soccer team produced All Pioneer Valley League players Bruce Mackechnie and Paul Benis with Honorable mention going to Bill Burgess and Peter Rouette.
Golf: 4-1-1 Coach Gene Gauthier
Low round for E.L. Jerry Savaria (79)
Track: 6-1 Coach Frank Dutille, Marvin Bryan
The track team was 6-1 in league play and placed third in Western Mass with Captain Ray Ellison providing three first place finishes:
· High Jump
· Broad Jump
· High Hurdles
Ray Ellison qualified for States in High Jump and High Hurdles
1962-1963
Third Year – Robert Jarvis Supt., Elwyn Doubleday Principal
Football: 3-4 Coach Angelo Correale, Robert Troutman, and John Wallace
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/8/1962
All-League Berry Division, Second team Jim Brock defense.
All-WM No selections for EL.
Soccer: 1-9-2 Coach Charles Campbell
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/1/1962
All-League Valley League, First team Ken Blaisdell, Second team William Friese, Honorable mention goalie Tom Benton 5th best goalie average 15GP 0 SO 43 GA 2.86 avg.
Hockey: 1-10-4 Coach Gene Gauthier, Paul Tarsa
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/10/1963
All-League Suburban League, First team Bob Mosedale center, Rick Bennett back.
Captain James Brock
Tom Benton was named Berry Division Best Goalie for second year
James Brock led the team in points (2 goals, 8 assists) and penalty minutes (7 tied with Rick Bennett)
Baseball: 5-12 Coach Robert Camp
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/23/1963
No EL selections to All-WM Small schools
No EL selections to All-League Valley League
Captain Bob Carlson
Golf: 7-2 Coach Gene Gauthier
Low net for E.L.:
Valley Wheel – William Carvell (77)
W’Mass - Phil Hoag (82)
States – Phil Hoag (90)
Basketball: 3-15 Coach Robert Troutman
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/17/1963
No EL selections to All-WM Small schools
No EL selections to All-League Valley League
“Spartans could never get going in spite of Bill Carve’sl 15.5 ppg average”
Track: 4-4 Coach Frank Dutille, Marvin Bryan
Captain Dave LaLima
3rd place W’ Mass, Dave LaLima, Rick Bennett made the All Western Mass team and went on to participate in the Massachusetts State tournament.
Glen Curtis holds records for the 440 (52.8 sec) and 880 (2:08.5) yard runs.
Tennis: 0-5 Coach Alexander Nickett
All matches played as J.V. to gain experience.
1963-1964
Fourth Year - Robert Jarvis Supt., Ralph Shindler Principal
Baseball: 6-8 Coach Bob Camp, Dick McCormick
Captain Ken Blaisdale
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/21/1964
No EL selections to All-WM schools
No EL selections to All-League Valley League
Golf: 5-8 Coach Gene Gauthier
Jerry Savaria placed in States (81)
Larry Helwig Low School net (78)
Nick Stevens 2nd Low School Net (79)
Football: 1-6 Coach Robert Vespazani, Mr. Downs, and Mr. Lafayette
Captains Tom Sawyer, Rick Bennett
All Suburban League Rick Bennett, Robert Mosedale
Tom Sawyer “Hatchet Award”
Rick Bennett 635 total yards
Hockey: 2-15-1 Coach Gene Gauthier, Paul Tarsa
Captain Tom Benton
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/29/1964
WM All Stars Wright Division Tom Benton goalie – 3rd consecutive year.
Basketball: 1-17 Coach John Katsoulis Bob Vespaziani
Captain Ken Blaisdale
MVP Ken Blaisdale
Most Improved Steve Steitz
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/22/1964
No EL selections to All-WM schools
No EL selections to All-League Valley League
Soccer: 3-10-2 Coach Charles Campbell, Richard McCormack
Captains Ken Blaisdale, Jon Schrade
Ken Blaisdell Pioneer Valley League 1st Team
Bill Friese Pioneer Valley League 2nd team
Tom Benton – Honorable Mention
Tennis: 0-12-1 Coach Alexander Nickett
Track: -6-4 Coach Frank Dutille, Robert Vespaziani
Captain Glenn Curtis
The following records were set in the Western Massachusetts Tournament:
· Sprint Medley – 3min 54.3 sec – Glenn Curtis, John Watermans, Steve Chase, Skip Griffin
· One-half mile 2 min 1.1 sec – Glen Curtis
Glen Curtis was also placed on the Massachusetts State team for the 2nd year.
1964-1965
Fifth Year – Robert Jarvis Supt., Ralph Shindler Principal
Baseball: 12-5 (2nd pl) Coach Stan Bernatowicz, Jon Katsoulis
Captains Kenneth Farrell, Harry McGill
Steve Steitz, Player of the Week Channel 22
MVP Steve Steitz
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 6/20/1965
All League Valley Wheel Steve Steitz pitcher
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/27/1965
All-WM Small schools Steve Steitz pitcher 7-2
Boys Tennis: 1-11
Basketball: 8-10 Coach John Katsoulis, Dick McCormack
Captains Phil Belliveau, Steve Steitz
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/28/1965
League All Stars Valley Wheel Steve Steitz, Honorable mention Brian Kennedy.
MVP Brian Kennedy
Steitz 132 baskets 133 foul shots ttl 397 pts. 8th among small schools
The following records were set:
· Most points per game 37 – Steve Steitz
· Most points per season – 397 – Steve Steitz
· Team high points - 93
Football: 1-6 Coach Robert Vespazani, Fred LaFayette, Ralph Rinaldi
Captain Charles Williams
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/6/1964
WM All Stars Suburban League David Buddington fullback
MVP Dave Buddington
Dave White and Dave Buddington won the Hatchett Award
Hockey: 6-10-2 Coach Paul Tarsa, Ralph Cooley
Captain John Brock
MVP John Brock
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/28/1965
All-WM Honorable mention John Brock, Mark Mullane, Tom Downie
Finished 4th in the Berry Division
Golf: 3-8-2 Coach Gene Gauthier
MVP Doug Burr
Doug Burr was placed on the Massachusetts State team
Soccer: 5-7-4 Coach Ralph Cooley, Robert Trautman
Captain Paul Ouellette
Team MVP went to Tom Taylor
PV All Stars First team Tom Taylor
PV All Stars Second team Jack Lightcap, Tom Taylor
Honorable Mention Steve Steitz, Paul Ouellette
Track: 5-6 Coach Frank Dutille, Robert Vespazaini
Captain Paul Ouellette
MVP Steve Chase
The team finished third in Western Massachusetts
State Qualifiers:
Paul Ouellette 180 Low Hurdles, Long Jump
Steve Chase 220
Dave Brega High Jump, Alt Dave Buddington Javelin
Record setters:
Paul Ouellette 180 Low Hurdles 21.4, Dave Phillips 2 mile run 10:46.4
Dave Brega High Jump 5’11”, Dave Buddington Javelin 171’
Paul Ouellette Long Jump 20’ 11.5”, Steve Chase 100 yard dash 10.2
Steve Chase 220 yard dash 22.4
Valley Wheel Record holders:
Paul Ouellette Long Jump 20’ 6”, Dave Brega High Jump 5’ 8”
Tennis: 1-11 Coach Alexander Nickett
1965-1966
Sixth Year - Robert Jarvis Supt., Ralph Shindler Principal
This would be the first year for women’s varsity sports:
Field Hockey
Girls Basketball (After school recreation)
Golf: 10-4 Coach Gene Gauthier
Louis DiMonaco MVP
Ossie Savaria Captain
Hockey: 10-5-1 Coach Paul Tarsa, Ralph Rinaldi
Captain Dave White
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/27/1966
All-WM Wright Division first team Sr. Tom Downey forward, second team Sr. Dave Buddington, Sr. George Glassanos, and Sr. Robert Butler, Jr. Dan Melien
George Glassanos MVP
Baseball: 9-5 fourth place, Coach Stanley Bernatowicz, John Katsoulis
Captains Chandler Newell, Robert Latourelle
Steve Steitz MVP
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/26/1966
All League Valley Wheel Chuck Newell catcher, Steve Steitz pitcher
Most career Strikeouts: 378 Steve Steitz
Most strikeouts in a 7-inning game: 18 Steve Steitz
Steve Steitz, Best Player in Western Massachusetts, with 5 no hitters.
Basketball: 15-6 (7-5 Valley Wheel) Coach John Katsoulis, Richard McCormack, John Marrinacceo
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/27/1966
All League Valley Wheel Brian Kennedy, Steve Steitz
All W’Mass Small Schools Brian Kennedy, Steve Steitz,
Brian Kennedy 2nd in free throws with 101
W’Mass Small School Champions
Hi Scorers Jr. Brian Kennedy 160 FG, 101 FT, 421 TTL, 20.8 Avg./Game:
Steve Steitz 147 FG, 88 FT, 382 TT, 19.3 Avg./Game
Best career average: Steve Steitz 19.3 points per game
Best season average: Steve Steitz 22.1 points per game
Steve Steitz 1000-point club and most career points – 1028
Captains Steve Steitz, Brian Kennedy
Football: 6-2 Coach Robert Vespazani, Ralph Rinaldi, William Chevalier, Richard Bolles
Most points scored (152, 20 TD’s)
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/5/1965
All-League Suburban League George Galssanos halfback, David Buddington fullback, Tim Crary utility.
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/12/1965
All-WM Small Schools Dave Buddington fullback.
League Champions
Dave Buddington was named Most Valuable Player
Dave White won the Hatchett Award
Dave Brega All American football honorable mention.
Soccer: 8-6-1 Coach Ralph Cooley, Robert Trautman
Captains Steve Steitz, Ozzie Savaria
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/5/1965
All-WM Pioneer Valley All-Stars Ossie Savaria fullback, second team Steve Steitz, Bill Herzog; Honorable Mention Steve Chase, Barry Blaisdell, Bob Latourelle
School records most wins (8), Most Goals scored (27), Least goals against (17)
Track: 11-1 Coach Frank Dutille, Robert Vespaziani, Richard Bolles
Captains Dave Buddington, Steve Chase
Steve Chase MVP, 2 time W’Mass Champion
Valley Wheel League Champions:
Steve Chase 100 10.2, Steve Chase 220 22.3,
Dave Buddington Javelin 178’ 4”
3 1st place W’Mass finishes
Western Massachusetts runners up
State qualifiers: Steve Chase 220, Dave Brega High Jump, Ronald Laliberte Low Hurdles, Alberte Bailey Javelin, Dave Buddington Shot Put, Relay Steve Chase, Ausan Cox, Dave Buddington, Ronald Laliberte
Tennis: 4-9 Coach Alexander Nickett
W’Mass Qualifiers: Jr. Peter Mulcahy, So. Bob Goodrich, So. Bradley Jones
1966-1967
Seventh Year – Robert Jarvis Supt., Ralph Shindler Principal
PLACE HOLDER
Golf: 11-5 Coach Gene Gauthier
Captain Doug Burr
School records”
Low Individual 73 Doug Burr
Year Avg. 79 Robert Storey
Girls Basketball: 4-2
Softball: 3-2
Boys Track: 6-5 Coach Frank Dutille, Richard Bolles, Robert Vespaziani
Captains Ronald Laliberte, Albert Bailey
Robert Laliberte MVP
School Records:
Pole Vault 11’ So. Bob Willard
2 mile 10:36 08 So. Mark Lacedonia
Baseball: 8-5-1 Valley Wheel, Coach Stanley Bernatowicz, John Katsoulis
Captains Paul Mondoux, Mark Grabowski
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/18/1967
All-League Valley Wheel Jim Latourelle utility
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/25/1967
All-WM No selections from EL
So. Danny Thomas pitched a no-hitter vs. Monson 4/25/67
Boys Tennis: 5-11 Coach Alexander Nickett
Robert Goodrich MVP
Field Hockey: 1-4-1
Basketball: 3-17 John Katsoulis, Richard McCormack, Daniel Kane
Captains Brian Kennedy, Doug Burr
Brian Kennedy MVP
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/26/1967
All-League Valley Wheel Brian Kennedy
Leading scorers: DiMonaco, 129 FG, 53 F, ttl 311, 19.4 ppg, 15th: Brian Kennedy 107 FG, 69 F, ttl 283, 16.6 ppg
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 4/2/1967
All-WM Small Schools No selections from EL
Girls Swimming: 0-6 Coach Richard Bolles First Year
Football: 0-8 Coach Vespazani Ralph Rinaldi, William Chevalier, Daniel Kane, Richard Bolles
Captains Don Millett, Jeff Naylor, Ronald Laliberte
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/4/1966
All-League Suburban League No selections from EL
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/11/1966
All-WM No selections from EL
Bob Willard was Most Valuable Player and won the Hatchett Award
Hockey: 2-12-1 Coach Paul Tarsa, Ralph Rinaldi
Captain Daniel Melien
Dan Melien MVP
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 3/26/1967
All-WM Wright Division second team Dan Melien goal
Dan Melien was placed on the All Pioneer Valley League 2nd team
Soccer: 7-5-2 Coach Ralph Cooley, Robert Trautman
Captains Brian O’Hearn, Ralph Miorandi
All W’Mass Sr. Doug Burr
PV League All Stars:
Doug Burr, 2nd team Sr. Brian O’Hearn, Fr. Frank Miorandi
School Records Least goals against (9), Most Shutouts Dan Melien (9)
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/4/1966
All-WM Pioneer Valley league Doug Burr right halfback, second team Dan McMillan, Brian O’Hearn, Ralph Miorandi. Honorable Mention went to Gary Feathler, Pete Mulchay, Rich D’Amato and Lou Dimonaco
Swimming: 7-4-1 Coach Richard Bolles First Year, Ronald Sarazin
Captains Scott Lacey, Richard Bates
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 04/02/1967
All-WM record for Medley Relay – 1 min 50.7 sec -
So. Erwin Belorusky, Jr. Brad Smith, So. Bob Willard, Sr. Scott Lacey; 3rd in States
400 Freesytle relay 2nd place Fr. Joe Kwasniak, Sr. Richard Bates, Sr. Scott Lacey, Sr. Steve LaBroad 5th in States;
Jr. Brad Smith 1st place in 100 backstroke and was elected to the All Western Massachusetts and All New England teams.
All Stars Jr. Brad Smith, Sr. Scott Lacey
School Records:
IM Relay 1:50 07 So. Erwin Beloruski, Sr. Scott Lacey, Jr. Brad Smith, So. Bob Willard (League record also)
200 Free 2:10 08 Sr. Richard Bates, 50 Free 24.6 Sr. Scott Lacey
200 IM 2:48 00 So. Mark Goddard, 100 Fly 1:05 09 So. Bob Willard
100 Free 50.6 Sr. Scott Lacey, 100 Back 1:02 04 Jr. Brad Smith (League also)
400 Free 5:04 02 Fr Charles Taylor, 100 Breast 1:11 00 Erwin Belorusky
400 Free Relay 3:48 04 Fr. Joe Kwasnik, Sr. Steve LaBroad, Sr. Richard Bates, Sr. Scott Lacey
1967-1968
Eighth Year - Robert Jarvis Supt., Ralph Shindler Principal
Softball: – 3-3
Football: – 2-6 Coach Bob Vespaziani (10-28 .263) Ralph Rinaldi, Daniel Kane
Captains Mike Harton, Bob Fois
Suburban League Sr. Guard Mike Harton, Jr. Back Bob Willard
Sr. Kim Hagopian MVP
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/03/1967
All-WM Small schools No selections from EL
Outstanding gridmen: Seniors Kim Hagopian (MVP), Bob Fois, Mike Harton and Don Thompson. Juniors Bob Willard, Chris Coleman, Erwin Belorusky, Tim Thompson and Howard Belliveau. Sophomores Bill Creighton, Jim Manferdini and Jeff Crary
Soccer: – 4-7-3 Coach Ralph Cooley, Robert Trautman
Captains Jack Blaisdell, Dan Pixley
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/3/1967
PV league 2nd team Sr. Jack Blaisdell, Jr. Danny Thomas,
Honorable mention, Sr. Gary Moore, Sr. Mike Allen, Sr. Bob Goodrich
Basketball: – 2-15 Coach William Reagan, Walter Porowski, Dan Kane
Captains Don Thompson, James Latourelle
Sr. James Latourelle MVP
School Records:
Team most points in one game 98 vs. Stafford Springs
Most Field Goals one game 17 Sr. Jim Latourelle
Individual most points one game 38 Sr. Jim Latourelle vs. Minnechaug
Team Longest Losing streak 12
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/31/1968
All-League Valley Wheel No selections from EL, leading scorer Latourelle, 144 FG 48 F ttl 436 ttl 24.1 ppg
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 04/07/1968
All-WM No selections from EL
Outstanding players Bernie Sweeney, Don Thompson
Hockey: – 4-12 Coach Paul Tarsa, William Whiles
MVP Jr. Danny Thomas
Officials Sportsmanship Award Jr. Danny Thomas
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/17/1968
All-WM No selections from EL
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/17/1968
All-League Wright Division second team Barney.
Outstanding players: The “Power” Line - Rich Mondoux, Danny Thomas (MVP) and Russ Morton. Freshman Goalie Matty D’Amato was outstanding. The team was awarded the Good Sportsmanship award in the Wright division.
Swimming: – 10-3 Coach Richard Bolles, Ronald Sarazin
Captains Mike Harton, Brad Smith
MVP Sr. Brad Smith
W’Mass Champions Medley Relay Sr. Brad Smith, Jr. Erwin Belorusky, Jr. Robert Willard, Sr. Paul Ouellette; 100 yard Back Brad Smith, 100 yard Breast Erwin Belorusky,
State Champions Medley Relay (Same as above)
100 yard Back Brad Smith, 2nd place 100 Breast Erwin Belorusky
School Records:
Team most wins 10
W’Mass 3rd place
State Tournament 2nd place
New England Regionals 2nd place
State record 200 medley relay 1:48 05 (Same as above)
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 04/07/1968
All-WM Erwin Beloursky, Brad Smith, Bob Willard
Third in PV League, Third in W’ Mass tournament and Second in All New England competition
Medley relay broke WM and State records with a 1 min 49.0 seconds and a 1 min 49.2 seconds respectively – Bob Willard Butterfly, Brad Smith Backstroke, Erwin Belorusky Breaststroke, and Peter Ouellette Freestyle. Brad Smith set WM backstroke record at 1 min 00.7 sec.
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 11/16/1986
“Real ‘top gun’ started it all in East Longmeadow’.
“Ed Willard fielded the question on a short hop’ “How fierce a competitor is my son” he repeated it, “Well he once swam out of his trunks winning a butterfly race”. Ed was talking about his son Bob Willard, who was the first East Longmeadow graduate to earn 12 varsity letters. He went on to play at the Naval Academy as a three-year starter on its football team. He became a fighter pilot and was assigned to the Navy’s Top Gun flight school at the Miramar Naval Station as an instructor. It was through this assignment that he became a technical advisor (aerial coordinator) and editor for the Tom Cruise movie “Top Gun”. He was responsible for all the aerial sequences, flying mostly F-4’s and F-5’s. He piloted the aircraft as all of the top stars had to pull flight time for their ‘close-ups’. “I’m not sure but I can’t remember one who did not get sick. But that was to be expected”, says Willard.
Track: – 8-4 Coach Frank Dutille, Ralph Rinaldi, Richard Bolles
Captains Ken Goodrich, Dennis Ostrander
MVP Sr. Ken Goodrich
School Records:
Discus 135’ 9’ Sr. Charles Stellato
2-Mile 9:54 06 Jr. Mark Lacedonia
Fourth place W’ Mass, Pole Vault Jr. Frank Mitchell 5th place W’Mass, Discus Sr. Charles Stellato 2nd place W’Mass sent Senior Ken Goodrich 2nd place W’Mass Long Jump and Juniors Bob Willard 2nd place W’Mass Pole Vault, So. Jeff Crary Low Hurdles 3rd place W’Mass and Jr. Mark Lacedonia 2-mile 2nd place W’Mass to the State championships.
Outstanding athletes Sr. Ken Goodrich (MVP); Jr. Mark Lacedonia State meet school record of 9 min 54.6 sec two mile run.
Baseball: – 17-3 Coach John Katsoulis, William Reagan
Captains Jim Latourelle, Bob Houghton
MVP Jim Latourelle
Valley Wheel Champions
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/23/1968
All-League Danny Thomas outfield, Bob Houghton outfield, Jim Latourelle shortstop.
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/30/1968
All-WM Danny Thomas outfield, Jim Latourelle shortstop
Valley Wheel – Danny Thomas pitcher first in league (6-0), Bob Houghton, Jim Latourelle led the team in nine departments: runs-22, hits-23, RBI’s 18, triples-7, homeruns-1, stolen bases-15/15, pitching wins 7, saves-8, and was drafted by the Balitmore Orioles
Golf: – 13-3 Coach Gene Gauthier, Pamela Grazio
League Champions.
School Records: Low Score 73 Sr. Bob Storey
Outstanding golfers Bob Storey, Mike Allen, Skip Clevenshire, all qualified for W’ Mass.
Tennis: – 5-11 Coach Alexander Nickett
Outstanding player Bob Goodrich (10/16 MVP)
Softball: – Coach Jackie Upshaw (No record shown)
Girls Swimming: – 0-6 Coach Pamela Grazio.
Newly formed Pioneer Valley Girls Swim League. Placed fourth in the post-season league championships.
Girls Basketball: – 4-6 Coach Jackie Upshaw
Outstanding players Margaret Cauley school record 21 points in a single game, Nancy Steitz
Field Hockey: – 3-2-1 Coach Sue Circosta
1968-1969
Ninth Year - Robert Jarvis Supt., Ralph Shindler Principal
Track: – 11-1 Coaches: Frank Dutille, Richard Bolles, Ralph Rinaldi
Captains: Chris Coleman, Mark Lacedonia, Robert Willard
Valley Wheel Champions
MVP Sr. Chris Coleman, Jr. Jeff Crary
400 Low Hurdles Champions with a record of 59.1
School Records:
Shot Put 49 .5 Sr. Robert Willard,
Pole Vault 11’ 6” Sr. Robert Willard
Low Hurdles 20.2 Jr. Jeff Crary
High Hurdles 15.2 Jr. Jeff Crary
Golf: – 11-5 Coach Gene Gauthier, Preston Jones
Captain Tim Thompson
MVP Jr. Greg Naylor
School Record:
Low score 73 Sr. Brad Towle, So. Joe DeAngelo, Jr. Greg Naylor
Baseball: – 11-7 Coach John Katsoulis, William Reagan
Captains John Corliss, Danny Thomas
MVP Danny Thomas, John Corliss
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/22/1969
All-League Valley Wheel Tom Mineo, John Corliss first base, Danny Thomas outfield. Batting leader (10th) Danny Thomas 55AB, 16R, 21 H, 10 RBI, .382 AVG.
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 06/22/1969
All-WM Class L second team Danny Thomas outfield.
New breakdown in classes this year: Class L defined as a school with over 300 students in grades 10-12. Class S has 300 or fewer students in grades 10-12.
Tennis: – 2-14 Coach Alexander Nickett
MVP Jr. David Sabourin
Softball: – 0-5
Football: – 1-7-1 Coach Robert Vespaziani, Daniel Kane, Ralph Rinaldi
Captains Robert Willard, Chris Coleman
MVP Robert Willard
Hatchet Award Robert Willard
4th Varsity Letter Robert Willard
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/08/1968
All-League Suburban League No selections for EL
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/15/1968
All-WM Small schools No selections for EL
Bob Willard (31) was winner of the Hatchet Award and was MVP
Soccer: – 4-6-4 Coach Ralph Cooley, Robert Trautman
Captains John Corliss, Danny Thomas
MVP Danny Thomas
All Star Danny Thomas, 2nd team Sr. Brad Towle, Jr. Bob Bradley
Honorable Mention Sr. John Corliss, Sr. Scott Seymour
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 12/08/1968
All-WM second team Danny Thomas Forward
John Corliss MVP, outstanding players Dan Thomas, Russ Morton, Ed LaBlanc
Basketball: – 5-12 Coach William Reardon, Walter Porowski
Captains Tim Thompson, John Corliss
MVP John Corliss
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 04/06/1969
All-WM No selection for EL
John Corliss MVP nets 272 points
Hockey: – 12-3 Coach Paul Tarsa, William Whiles
Captain Danny Thomas, Bob Barney
League Champions
MVP Sr. Barry Rufenacht
School Records:
High Scorer Jr. Rich Mondoux 25 goals 21 assists 46 points
Highest Scoring line Jr. Rich Mondoux 46, Danny Thomas 22, Sr. Russ Morton 41, Total 109
Goals against 1.36 Matt D’Amato
Fewest penalty minutes 18
Most goals by a team 86
Goals per game avg. 6.14
Wright-Fay Division All Stars: Jr. Rich Mondoux, Sr. Russ Morton, Sr. Bob Barney. 2nd Team Sr. Danny Thomas, Sr. Barry Rufenacht
Springfield Sunday Republican (SSR) dated 03/23/1969
All-WM No selection for EL Only Wright- Fay division selection was from Longmeadow (second team)
All-League Wright division first team Richard Mondoux, Russell Morton, Barney, second team Danny Thomas, Barry Ruffenacht
League Champions. Barry Ruffenacht MVP, Outstanding players Russell Morton, Daniel Thomas, Richard Mondoux top front line in Wright Division with 109 points. Sophomore Matt D’Amato was “brilliant” in the nets.
Swimming: – 12-2 Coach Richard Bolles, Ronald Sarazin
Captains Robert Willard, Erwin Belorusky
MVP Sr. Erwin Belorusky
All-WM Repeater Erwin Belerousky 100 breaststroke, Stan Sroka 200 freestyle, Peter Ouellette 400 free relay. Honorable mention John Haetenger backstroke, Bob Willard butterfly.
League Champions, WM 3rd place. Outstanding swimmers Erwin Belorusky WM Champion, State Champion, New England record setter 1:06.8 100 Breaststroke. Jr Peter Ouellette 50 freestyle record holder New Englands.
Jr John Ouellette New England Champion 200 Individual. Stanley Sroka New England 100, 200, 400 freestyle champion. Stanley Sroka, Bob Willard, Peter Ouellette, Chuck Taylor took 3 seconds off the record for the 400 freestyle relay at the New Englands.
Girls Swimming: – 3-8 Coach Pamela Grazio
Soccer: 4-6-4 Coaches:
Girls Basketball: – 4-6 Coach Jakie Upshaw
Outstanding players Nancy Steitz, Pat Farrell, Rosanne Reis
Field Hockey: – 5-1-3 Coach Jackie Upshaw
League Champions. Outstanding players leading scorers Nancy Steitz and Mary Ellen Boyd