1965
Bap Manzini Era Begins
In the spring of 1965, the team was called to the gym for two meetings. At the first meeting, Coach Urda announced that he had been dismissed as the head coach. This was not a surprise. A few weeks later, at another meeting, a new head coach, “Bap” Manzini, was introduced to the team. Coach Manzini brought with him 13 years experience as a head coach. At old Bellmar High School (Belle Vernon), Manzini had compiled a record of 83-38. He had accomplished several winning campaigns, two of which his teams went undefeated. “Bap” had played professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles and was a graduate of St. Vincent’s College. As the team sat in the gym, most of the players had no idea what a drastic change was about to take place!
The employment of Manzini coincided with the hiring of Mr. Bill Weir as Athletic Director and Mr. James Tucci as Band Director. These appointments clearly showed that the school district was committing itself to an improved product when it came to the football team and the band’s pre-game and half-time shows.
Summer conditioning was now mandatory and there was a new emphasis on weight training. The laughable old, non-matching, uniforms and leather helmets were replaced with new uniforms and safer helmets that provided better protection.
When the team ran out on the field for its opening game in 1965 versus Baldwin, one could have called it a new beginning. The result was the same though, a 41-6 pasting by the Highlanders! Coach Manzini said later that he wondered if he had made a mistake coming to TJ.
The next week, however, all those doubts disappeared. On a steamy, hot, September afternoon at Elizabeth, the Jaguars persevered by a score of 27-14 over the Warriors. By the end of the day, the heat had taken its toll, as many players were suffering from the heat, but it was T.J. that had more grit!
Throughout the course of Manzini’s first year at TJ, there were many exciting moments. Runningback Wayne Fisher used that great speed to tally 6 touchdowns against Serra, Bobby Johnson made an exceptional run of 92 yards against Fox Chapel after reversing his field about three times! Who could forget those crushing down field blocks that “Fuzzy” Fedela made against the 6’ 8” Nelson twins (who later starred in basketball at Duquesne). Pete Armstrong rambled for 180 yards against Bethel, a 13-12 victory, missing all week due to his grandmother’s death. Steve Flory was a highly accurate passer and capable field general. Wing back Rich Castagna provided solid leadership, Defensive tackle Monroe Young enjoyed a fine season. Tackle’s Jim Buches and Denny Peterson led the offensive line. A one point loss to rival Clairton (26-25) brought an exciting season to a close.
Season:
TJ 6 vs Baldwin 41: (Pictures, articles)
TJ 27 vs EF 14: (Pictures, articles, video)
TJ 6 vs Belle Vernon 7: (Pictures, articles)
TJ 28 vs Fox Chapel 14: (Pictures, articles, video)
TJ 39 vs Serra 20: (Pictures, articles, video)
TJ 13 vs Bethel 12: (Pictures, articles, video)
TJ 26 vs Churchill 20: (Pictures, articles, video)
TJ 0 vs North Hills 6: (Pictures, articles, video)
TJ 25 vs Clairton 26: (Pictures, articles, video)
**Please add to the story by emailing pictures, stats, videos, and stories to thomasjeffersonhistory@gmail.com
Roster:
Seniors:
Pete Armstrong
Steve Flory
Rich Castagna
Monroe Young
Rick Moschel
Cliff Bickerton
Daryl Celestino
Tom Emswiller
Jim George
Tom Jageman
Jin Leccia
Al Matyasovsky
Chuck Shaffer
Lee Totty
Juniors:
Alan "Fuzzy" Fedela
Jim Buches
Tommy Cochran
Bob Maple
Dennis Peterson
Bob Wright
George Wilson
Paul Chapman
Fred Gillen
Rick Kump
John LaFrankie
Larry Lees
Dave Lewis
Mike Bubonovich
Tom Higham
Pat Peterson
Sophomores:
Tom Jenkins
Rich Lacoma
Fred Schademan
Ray Thomas
Walter Kalcevic
Ray Thomas
Dave Loughran
Joe Sullivan
Len Hamilton
Leroy George
Mike Costolo
**Please add to the story by emailing pictures, videos, and stories to thomasjeffersonhistory@gmail.com
Coaching Staff:
Bap Manzini- Head Coach
William Weir- Assistant Coach
Jim Hoffman-Assistant Coach
Ralph Arrigo-Assistant Coach
John Rapchak- Assistant Coach
Stats:
Points scored per game: 18.8
Points allowed per game: 17.7
Rushing Yards (TD's):
Wayne Fisher:
Bobby Johnson:
Receptions/yards (TD's):
Passing Yards/ Completions-Attempts (TD's):
School Records:
Touchdowns in a single game: 6-Wayne Fisher
Previous Record:
Longest Rushing TD: 92 yds-Bobby Johnson
Previous Record:
