Category Archives: Teams

53 Team Plaque & Roster for Thayer

August 12, 2011 – 9:58 pm

The Plaque & Roster are mounted. Room 405 will ensure that the Cadets of today and future Cadets will appreciate what the 1953 – 1954 Corps of Cadets accomplished.

Each Guest will be provided an 8 1/2 x 11 paper copy of the Plaque & Roster

The Thayer Hotel

Guest Copy – Room 405

On The Reverse Side is the Roster. The Plaque & Roster are mounted outside the Room.

A link to a larger, easier to read version of the Roster is at #10 below

The Donor Listing will go in the Room – each Class Crest will be Black & White. The only color will be Honor Plaza

1. The following is a listing of some of the wall hanging in the room:- the Team photo signed by the Team Members; Sports page of 1st Touchdown against Navy, with several players clearly identifiable: photo of the ’57 Class Gift; photo of Col Blaik leaving the field after the Navy Game; photo of the presentation of the Lambert Trophy; photo of Cadet Corps swarming the field at the end of the Duke Game – Cadets clearly identifiable (received license from The Associated Press to place it in the room); Photo of the Cheerleaders & Tumblers and Mule Riders; Photo of Bob Mischack’s Tackle.

2. In the Room will be two leather covered books containing photos and a detailed history of the Fall of 1953. One is nearly completed and will be shipped shortly. Player photos from the Navy Game Program are included.

3. We would like a listing of B Squad Members

4. A copy of the Plebe Team (57) photo including the names will be included in one of the books.

5. Information relating to the Black Lion Award including a home town photo of Leroy Lunn with last year’s Hall High School Black Lion Award Winner – tying of the ’53 Army Team Captain; Don Holleder; and the Black Lion Award.

6. We have copy of the ’54 and ’57 Howitzers (need ’55 and ’56) for the Room; the ’54 Reunion Book and Terry Tibbetts’ – – “A Spartan Game: The Life and Loss of Don Holleder”. The book is currently being passed among Don’s Basketball & Football Teammates for comment. Once all who wish to comment are finished it will be placed in the room.

7. The Thayer Room Dedication Program is at –

thethayerhotel.com

8. Once the Room Dedication Program is complete, the Thayer will publish (for sale) a Coffee Table Book covering all the rooms, which will include a copy of the Plaque and the ’53 Roster. A listing of Donors for the 1953 Football Team Room will also be included.

9. The Thayer will also provide a Video to be run on the Thayer Channel.

10. A larger version of The Roster is at – –

http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/large-version/roster

11. The large version of the Donors Listing is at – –

http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/large-version/donor-listing

12. Please note Room 405 overlooks the Hudson toward the South – –

http://rdp.thethayerhotel.com/Room%20dedication%20map.html

The Donor Listing will go in the Room

MG Ames Albro*

Fred Attaya (1) by McWilliams

LTC Darrell Anderson*

John Bard (8) by ’62

CPT Herbert Booth*

James Carroll

Bob Chapman (4) by ’62

Jack Charles (3) by ’62

Kirk Cockrell (1) by ’62

Col Paul Driscoll*

Jay Edwards (2) by ’62

William Epling

Howard Gabbert

Paul Garneau

Jay Gould (5)

Hal Greer (9) by ’62

Frank Hicks (1) by ’62

Col Rufus Hutchenson*

R. A. Ironside

William Jesse*

Peter Jones (3) by ’62

Donald Kirklighter*

Ken Kramer (1) by ’62

Jack Krause (1) by ’62

LTC Donald Lewis*

Joe Lapchick (1) by ’62

Jay LeCroy (4) by ’62

Jerry Lodge (1) by ’62

Jack Logan

Leroy Lunn (1,7) by ’62

Bill McVeigh* (2)

Marion Meador (9) by ’62

Bob Mischak (1)by McWilliams

LTC John Morris*

Ed Moses (2) by ’62

LTC George O’Brien*

G. Parshall

George Perrin (4) by ’62

Cary Peyton

1LT William Purdue* (1)

M.D. Remus

Col Teodorico Sanchez*

Paul Schweikert (1) by ’62

Rox Shain (1) – my friend by W. C. “Tiny” Tomsen

John Shelter*

Lowell Sisson (1) by McWilliams

Ben Schemmer* (2 6)

Fred Schweiger

LTG Lawrence Skibbie*

Norm Stephen (1) by ’62

Col Scott Wetzel*

CPT Don York*

T. C. Young (11) by George
Schein Class of ’62 Chairman of
the Honor Committee

Dick Ziegler (1) by ’62
*Classmates, Friends & A2 Company Mates
In Memory of Days Gone By – –

Dr. Jay Gould III (5)

Tommy Bell (1) by McWilliams

Bill Chance (1) by ’62

John Clayton* (2)

William Doremus (1) by ’62

Joe Franklin (1)

Jerry Hagan (1) by ’62

Larry Herdman (1) by ’62

Frank Hicks (1) by ’62

Fred Kneiriem (1) by ’62

Dan Ludwig (3) by ’62

MG Carl McNair

James R. C. Miller (1) by ’62

William & Veronica McWilliams (12)

Ski Ordway (1) by J. Franklin and W. McWilliams

Bill Robinson (2) by ’62

Benjamin Roberts

MAJ Alex Rupp* (6)

Paul Sullivan (1) by ’62

John Wing (1) by ’62

Al Worden (2) by ’62

Ed Zaborowski (1)

Nick Bruno (1) by ’62

Frank Burd (1) by ’62

Ralph Chesnauskas (1)

Bill Cody (1) by ’62

Donald Ernst (1) by ’62

Bob Farris (1)

Charles Glenn (3) by ’62

Howard Glock (1) by ’62

Don Holleder (1) by B. Farris and R. Chesnauskas

Pete Lash (1)

Paul Lasley (1) by ’62

Ron Melnick (1) by ’62

Col. Russell Mericle (1)

Don Shannon (1) by ’62

Donald Satterfield (1) by ’62

Pat Uebel (1) by ’62

Peter Vann (1) by B. Farris and R. Chesnauskas

Jerry Wynn (1) by B. Farris and R. Chesnauskas

Mike Zeigler (1) by ’62

1. Football Team

2. Cheerleader

3. Tumbler

4. Mule Rider

5. Victory Cannon

6. Navy Goat Procurer

7. Football Team Captain

8. Cadet Brigade Commander

9. Football Manager

10. Plebe Team Players

11. Chairman of the Honor Committee

12. Bill McWilliams ’55 – Author of “A Return To Glory” – A driving influence for this Room’s Dedication

Bob Christiansen

Jospeh Cygler (10)

Donald & Kathleen Fitzpatrick

Howard Haupt (10)

Tom Kehoe (10)

Nick Monaco

James H. Morgan

Jerry Patterson

Leonard P. Wishart III

Richard Stephenson (10) by ’62

F.R. Stevens

John H. Stokes III

We became the Class of 1962 on 1 July 1958. From our original 815, we Graduated 601 on the 6th of June 1962. The Upper Classes insured we understood and appreciated what had gone before. The 1953 Football Season was one that touched both our need to appreciate the success of Army Football and our training in our Honor Code.

As a kid, one Classmate would climb a tall old oak tree on the North end of Michie to watch his Army Heroes play each Saturday. To this day he can still rattle off many of the names of the ’53 Team. Another Classmate’s Father took him to the Duke Game. To many, that may be Army’s Greatest Game.

In the years since our Graduation, the Cadet Corps has lost touch with not just the success of the 1953 Football Team but what the 1953 – 1954 Corps of Cadets actually accomplished.

We, members of the Class of 1962 cannot accept that, and for that reason we have pushed for Room 405 so that today’s Corps of Cadets and all future Cadet Corps know and understand what the 1953 – 1954 Corps of Cadets and their Team did.

Col. Blaik said to the Team after the Navy Game ” —- you have done more for Football at West Point than any other team in the history of the Academy”

Many members of the Class of 1962, and Wives of our Classmates, thank the 1953 -1954 Corps of Cadets for what they did for our Alma Mater.

Col Blaik, Coaches Dobbs, Laslie, Amen, St Onge, Bevans, Deitzel – by ’62

Col Russell P. “Red” Reeder Class of 1926 by ’62

Morris Herbert – Class of 1950
“Number of us (classmates) listened to the ’53 Navy Game on the
radio — it was at Fort Bliss. We were all 1st Lts or Captains. When Pat Uebel
scored his 3rd touchdown of the day, one of my classmates leaped up in glee,
and accidentally sat down in the bowl of potato salad!”

Jesse Faber Class of 2012 – As a Yearling Jesse attempted to have his Class support the Nomination of the ’53 Team for the Army Sports Hall of Fame. The Academy Staff determined Cadets should not have any role in the Nomination process. Thanks Jesse

Coach & Mrs. Hugh Wyatt
Created the Black Lion Award Honoring Don Holleder and the Other Black Lions Lost 10/17/1967

Terry & Mary Tibbetts – – Author
A Spartan Game: The Life and Loss of Don Holleder

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1953 Football | Comments (0)

1953 Team Roster

July 8, 2011 – 2:10 pm

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1953, Football | Comments (0)

SO THIS STORY IS TOLD

June 14, 2011 – 2:09 pm

SO THIS STORY IS TOLD

MG Ames Albro*

Fred Attaya by W. McWilliams

LTC Darrell Anderson*

CPT Herbert Booth*

James Carroll

Col Paul Driscoll*

William Epling

Paul Garneau

Jay Gould

Col Rufus Hutchenson*

William Jesse*

Donald Kirklighter*

LTC Donald Lewis*

Jack Logan

Bill McVeigh*

Bob Mischak by W. McWilliams

LTC John Morris*

LTC George O’Brien*

1LT William Purdue*

Col Teodorico Sanchez*

John Shelter*

Lowell Sisson by W. McWilliams

Ben Schemmer*

LTG Lawrence Skibbie*

Col Scott Wetzel*

CPT Don York*

*Classmates, Friends & A2 Company Mates In Memory of Days Gone By – –

Dr. Jay Gould III

Tommy Bell by W. McWilliams

John Clayton*

Joe Franklin

MG Carl McNair

William & Veronica McWilliams

Ski Ordway by J. Franklin and W. McWilliams

Benjamin Roberts

MAJ Alex Rupp*

Ralph Chesnauskas

Bob Farris

Don Holleder by B. Farris and R. Chesnauskas

Col. Russell Mericle

Pat Uebel by P. Burns

Peter Vann by B. Farris and R. Chesnauskas

Jerry Wynn by B. Farris and R. Chesnauskas

Bob Christiansen

Jospeh Cygler

Donald & Kathleen Fitzpatrick

Howard Haupt

Tom Kehoe

Nick Monaco

James H. Morgan

Jerry Patterson

Leonard P. Wishart III

F.R. Stevens

John H. Stokes III

Den & Barbara Benchoff

Glen & Ann Blumhardt

Bob & Sue Brogi

As a kid, Bob would climb a tall oak on the North end of Michie to watch the Black Knights play

Phil & Molly Burns

John & Hanh Easterbrook

James & Carol Ellis

Marlene Garvey for Dick

Jim & Jeane Kays

Alfred & Lynda Rushatz

John & Peggy Wagner

For my 814 Classmates who entered West Point in July 1958 Anonymous

Morris Herbert – Class of 1950 Number of us (classmates) listened to the ’53 Navy Game on the radio — it was at Fort Bliss. We were all 1st Lts or Captains. When Pat Uebel scored his 3rd touchdown of the day, one of my classmates leaped up in glee, and accidentally sat down in the bowl of potato salad!

Coach & Mrs. Hugh Wyatt Created the Black Lion Award Honoring Don Holleder and the Other Black Lions Lost 10/17/1967

Terry & Mary Tibbetts – – Author A Spartan Game: The Life and Loss of Don Holleder

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1952, Football | Comments (0)

Class of 1957’s Plebe Team

June 8, 2011 – 2:08 pm

Click on photo for larger version

Mead, D. G. 10

Dunn 11

Boivin 16

Shepherd 18 ’58

Munger 21 ’58

Reynolds 22

Murtland 23

Collins 24 x

Smith, J. F. 25

DeVincent 30 x

Allen, G. H. 31

Thomas 37

Dunning 38

Kyasky 42

Martina 44 x

Cudmore 45

Cygler 46

Theibert 48

Bishop, J. A. 51

Buckner, R. 52

Cortez 54

Ray, J. W. 55

Szvetecz 58

Stephenson, R. E. 59

Shuff 60

Fadel 61

Saul 62 x

Goodwin 63

Robinson 64

Cross 65

Wilhelm 66

Bullotta 67

Haupt 69

Goodenough 70

Kilpatrick 72

Hobson 73 x

Erickson, D. J. 74

Politis 75

Petruno 76

Ledbetter 77

Elder 78

Kehoe 79

Scott, J. C. 80

Fisher, E. A. 81 ’58

Preletz 82

McCoy, R. P. 83

Veal 85

Ewanus 86

Jordan 87

Johnson, A. D. 89

Arnold 90

Yates 91

Olson, T.E. 92

Ensign 93

Teale 94

Hicklin 95

Fitzpatrick 96

Ley 97

McCaffrey 99 ’58

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1957, Football | Comments (0)

1953 Team Roster

April 24, 2011 – 2:08 pm

The Gray Border on the right is not part of the 20×24 Roster.

The 1953 Football Season

Prior to the Duke Game the Cheerleaders imposed a “Silence” upon the Corps of Cadets after the traditional sendoff of the team. When the Corps completed its subdued, strangely silent, pregame march-on at the Polo Grounds, and the last man double-timed onto the first step of the stands, the Corps of Cadets exploded out. They shook that old stadium almost non-stop in the sunshine and shadows of that Indian summer afternoon.

“The Savage Cheering of Go! Go! Go! from the West Point Stands, Placed our Team in a Nervous Fright of Tension and Jitters” – – Worth Lutz, Duke Quarterback.

“With Spirit like that I don’t see how you can lose” – – Steve Owen, Coach of the New York Giants.

Col. Blaik – – “For two years these boys had seen the roughest action. They had lived with the coaching lash, dirt, blood, and defeat.”

“By the time the season got down to the Penn and Navy games, the starting eleven and about four substitutes carried the full load.”

The Lambert Brothers presenting the Trophy to Leroy Lunn Honoring the Corps of Cadets and The ’53 Team Washington Hall West Point, Dec 1953.

Gen Van Fleet Class of 1915 Navy Game Rally.

Bob brings down Duke’s All American Red Smith after a 73 yard run – It was a Game Saving, a Season Saving Tackle. Billy’s Entry into Washington Hall. The Army B Squad.

Class of 1954

15 Rox Shain, QB(2)

21 Bill Purdue, HB

24 Paul Schweikert, HB

30 Kirk Cockrell, LHB

32 Jerry Lodge, FB(16)(17)

48 Freddie Attaya,FB(3)(10)

51 Norm Stephen, C(5)

52 Ken Kramer, C

60 Leroy Lunn, G(6)(14)

62 Dick Ziegler, G(7)(14)

75 Frank Hicks, T

79 Jack Krause, RT

82 Joe Lapchick,LE

83 Lowell Sisson, RE(4)

87 Bob Mischak, LE(1)(18)(19 1953)

(1) Pursuit & Tackle photo is on left. (2) Yanked off the Cadet train,he suited up, kicked off, Stephen’s brutal hit and Sisson’s recovery was the start of the Navy Game.

(3) 3d and 7 against Duke – Lombardi yelled “Run the Gauntlet” – he did. Attaya was lost for the season during the Tulane Game.

(4) Lowell accepted responsibility for the Northwestern loss – having been switched from end to half back and then back to end, he was still trying to grasp the complexities of the defensive schemes. NCAA rule change required a return to Iron Man Football.

(5) Team Captain.

L to R – – Bobby E. Chapman, George E. Perrin, & Richard Jan LeCroy

Class of 1955

16 Jerry Hagan, QB(8)

31 John Wing, HB

37 Fred Kniereim, FB

38 Bill Chance,E

46 Tommy Bell, LHB(19 1954)(20)

58 Ed Zaborowski, C

65 Joe Franklin,G(9)(10)(14)

68 Larry Herdman, G (1)

74 Paul Sullivan, T

85 Godwin Ordway, E(10)

(6) Against Dartmouth, in response to stinging criticism from Col Blaik – he lit a small but growing fire in the team and Corps of Cadets – when at the start of the 2d half he broke from the huddle and ran, almost sprinting to the ball, prompting the team to follow his lead. The roar of approval and support from the Corps each time Norm broke and ran to the ball set the tone for the Season.

(7) His charges took on up to 3 Duke blockers.

(8) Directed First Drive Against Duke.

(9) Doubled Teamed by Ralph Torrance & Duke’s All American Eddie Meadows – Out for the Season.

(10) Out for the Season.

(11) In the grasp off Duke’s All American Tackle – Eddie Meadows, Peter shifted the ball to his left hand, tossing to Attaya for the 1st Down.

(12) Pat scored all 3 Touchdowns against Navy.

(13) Guards played both L & R side.

(14) Kicked Extra Points.

Jerry Lodge converted from Guard to Fullback

Norm Stephen

Class of 1956

10 Peter Vann, QB(11)(19 1954)

11 Bill Cody, QB

12 Russ Mericle, QB

22 Mike Zeigler, RHB(10)

25 Jerry Wynn, HB

33 Frank Burd, FB

34 Pat Uebel, LHB(12)

54 Paul Lasley, C

55 Bob Farris, RT(13)

64 Don Shannon, T

66 Nick Bruno, G(14)

63 Ralph Chesnauskas G (14)(15)(17) (19 1954)

70 Ron Melnick, T

71 Howard Glock, LT

84 Don Holleder, RE(19 1954)

(15) Played 2d half of Navy Game blind in one eye.

(16) He was on ground when the runner went by, then he saw Bob come out of no where, he never has seen anyone run as fast catching Duke’s Red Smith 73 Yards from the line of scrimmage.

(17) Played 60 Minutes against Duke.

(18) For over 10 years the story of Bob Mischak’s tackle against Duke was part of West Point’s Military Psychology and Leadership Course – as an example of the power of motivation.

(19) All American

(20) Earned 4 Army A’s in Football

Rox Shain

Frank Hicks

5 Players Missing from Team Photo

Class of 1957

No Plebe Class Gave More. They surrounded the Practice Field each day.

As Plebes they were barred from Varsity Sports by the NCAA.

Over the next 3 Years their players contributed to an 18-8-1 record for Army.

The Class of 1957 gave the Academy one of the finest Gifts of any Class. Next to Eisenhower Barracks just West of the new Library it Stands Firm.

A CADET WILL NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO

It must be mentioned at some point that

Elwin Rox Shain ’54

Donald Walter Holleder ’56

Gerard Michael Wynn ’56

and from the Plebe Team

Joe Bishop

each gave their lives in Vietnam.

Bill Purdue

Col Red Redder – provided funding for Cheerleaders.

Col Blaik leaving the Field Nov 28th Army 20 – Navy 7

Cheerleaders Back, left to right: Ed Moses ’54, John Clayton ’55, Al Worden ’55, Billy McVeigh ’54, Jay Edwards ’54, Bill Robinson ’55; Tumblers kneeing Peter Jones ’54, Dan Ludwig ’55, Jack Charles ’54, Charles Glenn ’56. Others – Jay Gould & Ben Schemmer ’54 and Alex Rupp ’55. In 1954 Gym Team was asked to provide tumblers

Deitzel, Lombardi, Bevan, St Onge, Dobbs, Col. Blaik, Laslie, Amen

Constructed by Jay Gould ’54 and the Ord. Dept from a German Rocket Gun captured at Kasserine Pass. First used in the Duke Game.

The drum beat, the trumpets, the chanting

Jerry Hagan Remembers as does Every Player

“It was continuous, just deafening.”

Go! Go! Go!

Bob Mischak, ’54 as a player and a coach, participated in 3 Super Bowls, 8 AFC Championships and numerous playoff games. As the starting Offensive Tackle on the 1958 Giant Team he participated in The Greatest Game Ever Played. Bob had this to say of the 1953 Duke Game

“As many reports have stated, the 1953 team “Returned to Glory” with the defeat of the nationally ranked Duke Blue Devils at the Polo Grounds in New York City. From a player’s stand point, that was the epitome of any game, team, and student body support that I’ve been associated with – bar none.”

A Room has been set aside on the 4th Floor over looking the Hudson.

The ’54 and ’55 Class Crests will be black & white – only the ’57 gift to the Academy will be in color.

Most of the boxes will be eliminated.

The Roster will go next to the Plaque at the door.

On the wall in the room will be the Donor Listing.

The Thayer will publish (for sale) a Coffee Table Booklet which will include a copy of the Plaque and the ’53 Roster.

A listing of Donors for the 1953 Football Team Room will also be included.

Joe Franklin ’55 & Russ Mericle ’56 provided material and also made numerous corrections – Thanks

In the Room will be a note book containing photos and a more detailed history of the Fall of 1953.

A copy of the Plebe Team photo including the names will be included in the book.

Hopefully we will be able to obtain a listing of B Squad Members

Additional material which will be included are similar to the

home town photo of Leroy Lunn with this year’s Hall High Black Lion Award Winner –

tying the ’53 Army Team Captain; Don Holleder; and the Black Lion Award.

We have copy of the ’54 Howitzer for the Room and Terry Tibbetts’ – – “A Spartan Game: The Life and Loss of Don Holleder”.

Ralph Chesnauskas has given a copy of the Army Navy Program and news articles. The Thayer Room Dedication Program is at –

http://rdp.thethayerhotel.com/

By forwhattheygave.com | Also posted in Army Greats | Tagged 1953, Football | Comments (0)

1891 Football Team

March 28, 2011 – 2:05 pm

1891 Football Team – Michie with the Ball – 4-1-1, Beating Navy 32-16

Dennis Michie Class of 1892

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Army win in Yankee Stadium

March 27, 2011 – 2:05 pm

Army Over Syracuse 9 – 6 November 5th 1960

Our Fullback (Al Rushatz played 60 minutes) is going to Bust Somebody – Al ran this play several times with success. There is a clear image in my mind of Al, right in front of the Corps, getting tripped up at the line of scrimmage, dropping his free hand as he is nearly horizontal, regaining his balance and rumbling for more yardage.

Tom Blanda gives us 3 More

John Ellerson puts him in the Dirt

Army has broken Free, headed for a Score

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1960, Football | Comments (0)

Those Who Contributed

March 7, 2011 – 5:30 pm

Please Note – This list is very incomplete. A request has been made to the Thayer to provide an up dated listing. A Framed listing of those who donated will be placed inside the 1953 Team Room.

Class of 1954

Class of 1955

Joe Franklin (P)

Class of 1956

Ralph Chesnauskas (P)

Bob Farris (P)

Ken Lang

Russell Mericle (P)

Class of 1957

Robert P. Christiansen

Len Wishart

Class of 1962

Dennis Benchoff

Bob Brogi

Phil Burns

Glen Blumhardt

John Easterbrook

Jim Ellis

Marlene Garvey for Dick

Jim Kays

Al Rushatz

John Wagner

The (P) Indicates They Played On The ’53 Team

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1953, Football | Comments (0)

very first note ’53 Football Team Room Dedication at Thayer

March 5, 2011 – 5:30 pm

The Hotel Thayer is undergoing a high-tech renovation. Each Room’s Decor will reflect the accomplishments of a Graduate. Thirty members of the 1958 Football Team and Class have committed to the sponsorship of a room honoring the ’58 Team.

thethayerhotel.com

What you accomplished in the Fall of 1953 was not just a Team effort; it was as Bob Mischak (who started in the Famed 1958 – Greatest Game Ever Played ) and who was member of 3 Super Bowl winning teams, involved in 8 AFC Championship games and numerous playoff games) stated in referring to your defeat of the nationally ranked Duke Blue Devils at the Polo Grounds – “From a player’s stand point, that was the epitome of any game, team, and student body support that I’ve been associated with – bar none.”

You have your memories and ’62 has one Classmate whose Father took him to the Duke Game and one Classmate who watched all the Home Games from a tall oak tree behind the old stands at the North end of Michie.

However, today’s Corps of Cadets may know of what was accomplished in 1958 but they know NOTHING of what 1953 – 1954 Corps of Cadets accomplished. The Class of 1962 has contributed over $1000 as a start toward a Room Dedication for the 1953 Team. Ralph Chesnauskas and Bob Farris have submitted their contributions as have others. The Class of 1954 has committed to support the funding of The ’53 Team Room once the Committee approves the designation.

This should not be an individual Class effort, it should not be a Football Team effort, it should be a 1953-1954, Corps of Cadets effort. It was your Team. It was you along with members of the Staff and Faculty who surrounded the practice field each day. What your Team accomplished, what you accomplished, must become a source of Pride to today’s Corps of Cadets, just as it was source of Pride for the Class of 1962.

Item’s you might consider for the Room – A lockable glass cabinet, someone may have a victory football. On the walls a Photo of the Team –

Mischak, Attaya, Lodge, Norm Stepen, Jerry Hagan, Lowell Sisson, Lunn, Ski Ordway, Tommy Bell, Franklin, and Zaborowski, Holleder, Mericle, Vann, Chesnauskas, Farris, Uebel and many others.

Note – – Jerry Lodge – who wore #32 is missing from Photo as is Norm Stephen. 2d man 2d row next to Tommy Bell – Name is Zaborowski. Wynn #31 is actually in the 2d row not the 3rd. Others are missing and perhaps first names should be added along with Class.

Does anyone have a photo of the Plebe Team from the Fall of ’53? There are 2 poor photos of the B Squad. Bat Lang ’55 sent a 1952 photo of the Class of ’56 Plebe Team – Russ Mericle (2 Army A’s in Football) can put a name to each.

A Photo of Billy’s grand entrance into Washington Hall with caption that the White House had to order Billy’s return, Jay’s cannon coins with caption that Plebes could not play varsity sports, Leroy Lunn receiving the Lambert on behalf of the Corps of Cadets and your Team, and a Cheerleaders photo.

Perhaps a book with photos of the Cannon, Chopper, Robe going up, Lowell Sisson’s recovery of Rox Shain’s opening kickoff which was fumbled by Navy, Hagan handing off to Attaya, General Van Fleet’s address to the Corps prior to the Navy Game along with many others. Does anyone have pictures of the machines the Cadet Companies constructed? L2 was proud of their 8′ tall device depicting Bob Farris scrubbing the Navy Goat. As you remember it was powered by Plebes lying on their backs driving a bicycle-like mechanism.

If you wish, a copy of the 13 page Nomination of the Team for the Sports Hall of Fame by the Class of ’62 can be provided for the book.

http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/wp-53/nom-team

Certainly the highlight video of that season, must be part of the room.

Perhaps you still have enough influence with the Academy that you could ask the Corps of Cadets to tape 2 or 3 reps of your bugle call, drum roll, and chant of GO! GO! GO! for the room. The 4,000 of today’s Corps will not quite match the chant which shook the old Polo Grounds, but they can try.

Perhaps the Plaque on the door could read something similar to –

1953 Army Football Team

“I never coached a team that give me more than you did. I never have coached a team that has given me as much satisfaction. —- ” Col Blaik Nov. 28, 1953

Given by Members of the 1953 – 1954 USCC

The Room Selection Committee approved a room to be dedicated to the 1953 Army Football Team on 1 March 2011. If you believe today’s Cadet Corps deserves to know what you did then make a check out to –

Hudson River Partners

In the memo section insert – 1953 Team Room

Hudson River Partners are the Management Company for the Thayer.

(Note just send what you can afford – and please pass this on to Classmates)

Mail the Check to Wayne Culberth

Thayer Hotel 674 Thayer Road

West Point, NY 10996

Phil Burns

On behalf of the Class of 1962

Can Do

Please note the Roster of Graduates will be used to contact Graduates – so there may be duplication of message. It would help to receive a simple Email reply – “check sent with first & last name” (We will be able to insure that Wayne has each check and a 53 does not get mixed up with the 58 box).

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1953, Football | Comments (0)

Draft Plaque ’53 room

March 4, 2011 – 5:30 pm

1953 Army Football Team

7-1-1

He ordered the door secured and as he turned his eyes were misty.

“I never coached a team that gave me more than you did.

I never have coached a team that has given me as much satisfaction. Considering
all the conditions since 1951,

you have done more for football at West Point than any other team in the history of the Academy.”

Coach Earl H Blaik Nov 28, 1953 – – – – Selected Football Coach of the Year

The 17 October defeat of the 7th ranked Duke Blue Devils

at the Polo Grounds was designated as the Collegiate Game of the Year.

On 20 December 1953, The Lambert Trophy was Awarded at West Point

to the Corps of Cadets and the Army Football Team

The Donors Plaque will be –

Given by Members of the 1953 – 1954 Corps of Cadets

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1953, Football | Comments (0)

Proposal for ’53 Team Room at the Thayer

March 4, 2011 – 5:30 pm

PURPOSE

Insure the Corps of Cadets today & in future years is aware of and understands the significance of what was accomplished in the Fall of 1953.

Method

1. Acceptance of the 1953 Army Football Team into the Army Sports Hall of Fame.

a. A 13 Page Nomination submitted.

b. An internal Academy decision removed Teams from consideration. The Purpose of Hall of Fame has not changed. It still includes Teams

c. Effort will be made to affect reversal of decision.

2. Convince Thayer Committee to select the 1953 Football Team as part of the distinguished graduate dedicated room program. http://rdp.thethayerhotel.com/

3. Wayne Culbreth is Point of Contact 845 445-8534, note new Email address is wculbreth@thayerfellows.org

4. 1953 Team was selected for inclusion on 1 March 2011.

Funding

1. A $25,000 contribution is required.

a. Funds are used to furnish the room including; 2 plaques on the door one for the
Team, and one under the Team for the Sponsor; a hanging in the hallway of the Team; and a listing in a dedicated display in the Lobby. In addition the story will be told in perpetuity on the Thayer History Channel. http://rdp.thethayerhotel.com/Thayer-RoomDedication.pdf

b. The room decor will reflect the accomplishments of that season with photos and memorabilia associated with the 1953 Season. Each guest will be offered a video commemorating the Team. Subsidized Books will be sold by the Thayer.

c. Remaining funds will be directed toward the high tech upgrade of the room and the Hotel.

2. Additional funding is required.

a. Funds include a standardized video reflecting the accomplishments of each Honoree.

b. However, the story of the 1953 season is more extensive than just a highlight film of the Team’s accomplishments. The complete story of the ’53 season must be told. The Thayer is evaluating the expected requirements to accurately depict what was accomplished that Fall.

Source of Funds

1. Funding for the room, additional funding for an enhanced video, and memorabilia will be by the 1953 – 1954 Corps of Cadets.

2. The Class of 1954 will have an organized Class effort to fund and secure memorabilia.

3. The Class Leaders from the Classes of ’55, ’56, and ’57 will be contacted to determine Class interest in support of the Room Designation.

4. The Register of Graduates has been utilized to contact individual members of ’55, ’56, and ’57 to seek support .

A draft Plaque is at

http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/draft-plaque/53-team

The video narration will be by a 1954 Graduate.

The material to be used is at http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/wp-teams/football/1953-football and http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/wp-53/nom-team in addition game highlight film will be used

1. After the highlights of the Northwester game, the narrator will comment -During the 1953 season the rules of substitution changed (ostensibly because of the Korean War and the lack of young men to play college football) to essentially eliminate the two platoon system that had been used previously.

2. Lowell Sisson will be asked to comment – After the 1952 season, during which I played offensive end, I was switched to play halfback at the start of Spring practice. I continued in that mode until just before the start of the 1953 season. About 10 days before the season was to start I was called in to Col Blaik’s office. Fearful regarding what the reason was, I reported in to find Col Blaik and Vince Lombardi there and they proceeded to ask me what my reaction would be if they were to switch me back to end. I said I did not care where they wanted me to play as long as I could be of value to the team. They did not explain why they wanted to make this change and I did not ask … maybe I should have. I speculated that the new substitution rule had something to do with it. I must admit I always thought I was a better halfback than an end.During the 1953 season the rules of substitution changed (ostensibly because of the Korean War and the lack of young men to play college football) to essentially eliminate the two platoon system that had been used previously.

3. Twenty-twenty hindsight revealed to me that they knew they had a diamond in Don Holleder and with the two platoon system he would have more than replaced me. But because we had to play both offense and defense they must have concluded that it would be better to leave me at end.

4. Because of the switch back to end I did not get totally grooved into playing defensive end and this contributed (in my mind) to a large degree why we lost our only game that season. I felt I played a terrible game against Northwestern and contributed mightily to our defeat.

5. Narrator — Lowell Sisson made up for the Northwestern loss in the Navy Game. On the kickoff, Norm Stephen came down the field so fast and so hard that he had knocked the ball right out of the Navy player’s hands and right into Lowell’s hands on the Navy 30 yard line. Lowell remembers Norm Stephen as a real leader, a motivator for the Team.

6. At the conclusion of the Duke highlights the narrator will comment on Bob Mischak’s professional career – Bob Mischak who started in the Famed 1958 “Greatest Game Ever Played” and who as a player and coach was member of 3 Super Bowl winning teams, involvedin 8 AFC Champion’ship games and numerous playoff games had this to say

7. Bob Mischak will be asked to comment on the Duke Game – As many reports have stated, the 1953 team “Returned to Glory” with the defeat of the nationally ranked Duke Blue Devils at the Polo Grounds in New York City. From a player’s stand point, that was the epitome of any game, team, and student body support that I’ve been associated with – bar none.

Additional Considerations

1. The First & Last Name listed under the Team photo in the room. We could add Class if it is felt appropriate.

2. A framed listing of each donee by Class could be put in the room.

3. A request would be made to ODIA to record 2 or 3 reps of the drum roll, bugle and GO! GO! GO! by the Corps of Cadets.

By forwhattheygave.com | Tagged 1953, Army Sports Hall of Fame, Football | Comments (0)

Plebe Team Fall of 1952

February 24, 2011 – 5:30 pm

1st Row: 74: Vern Van Vonderen, 68: Bob Cremer, 81: Don Dane (DNG), 88: Art Boudreau, 64: Mark Sisinyak, 65: Ted Vallas (DNG), 22: Jerry Wynn, 31: (unk) O’Keefe, 42: Frank (Zuke) Day, 23: Ted Dayharsh, 55: Paul Lasley, 30: Pat Uebel, 11: Russ Mericle.

2nd Row: 3 coaches, all unk, 58: Ron Rigoni (DNG), 72: Stan Meador, 78: Norris (Butch) Harbold, 99: Howard (Knobby) Glock, 95: (unk) Hepler (DNG), 70: Chuck Garvey, 90: Bob Grassberger, 10: Paul Winkle, 46: Mike Zeigler, 67: Hugh Munson, 52: Gene Geib (DNG), 12: Bill Cody, 93: Bob Bacon, hidden behind Bacon, Bob Caron, Head Coach Capt Robert St Onge, Ass’t Coach Lt Art Gerometa.

3rd Row: 79: Norman Schwarzkopf, 76: John McGinn, 85: Dick Malin (nee Malinowski), 59: Bob Farris, 89: Don Satterfield, 87: Don Holleder, 83: Don Ernest, 96: Paul Daugherty, 63: Ralph Chesnauskas, 43: Charlie Hamm, 21: Tommy Kirchgessner, 99: Ron Melnik (DNG), 60: Bill Johansen.

Team members not in photo: Joe Gleason, Nick Bruno, Pete Lash, Mike Pendino, Frank Burd, Fred Dent, and Phil Elliot.

DNG – Did Not Graduate

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Rugby 2010

October 5, 2010 – 3:35 pm

Continue reading →

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West Point Contacts

September 1, 2010 – 3:35 pm

We ask that you not contact Academy principals unless you know or are friends with the representative. We ask that you include in your email or phone call the specific point that teams should be considered for the Army Sports Hall of Fame. We further ask that you contact as many as you wish, but only once per month. It may take between 18 months and 2 years to convince the Academy that recognition of Team success is more important than individual accomplishment. We ask that you contact the Academy at least once a month until Team recognition is acceptable for the Hall of Fame.

Should you wish to write a letter the address is

U.S. Military Academy
West Point, N.Y. 10996

Athletic Department

Note we will not include Fall Team Representatives at this time and we ask that you not contact Coaches with a current schedule

Lt. Col. Kim Kawamoto Assoc. AD/Senior Woman Administrator 845-938-5145
kim.kawamoto@usma.edu

Barbara McMillen Administrative Assistant 845-938-8757
barbara.mcmillen@usma.edu

Bob Daplyn Assistant Athletic Trainer 845-938-TBA
robert.daplyn@usma.edu

Michelle Centolanza Athletic Communications Coordinator 845-938-3303
michelle.centolanza@usma.edu

Brad Brown
Asst. AD/Team Operations 845-938-3682
bradley.brown@usma.edu

Coaches

Anthony DeCicco Asst. Baseball Coach 845-938-3712
anthony.decicco@usma.edu

Omar Mance Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach 845-938-8664
omar.mance@usma.edu

Jada Pierce
Asst. Women’s Basketball Coach 845-938-3632 jada.pierce@usma.edu

Brian Watts Head Golf Coach 845-938-3819
brian.watts@usma.edu

Carmine Giglio Asst. Gymnastics Coach 845-938-3802
carmine.giglio@usma.edu

Trevor Large Asst. Hockey Coach 845-938-3711
trevor.large@usma.edu

Mike Murphy Asst. Lacrosse Coach 845-938-2429
michael.murphy2@usma.edu

Maj. Ron Wigger Head Rifle Coach 845-938-4558
ronald.wigger@usma.edu

Stacy Birk Assistant Softball Coach 845-938-2575
stacy.birk@usma.edu

Nadia Staubitz Asst. Swimming Coach 845-938-3928
nadia.staubitz@usma.edu

Jim Poling Head Men’s Tennis Coach 845-938-6011
james.poling@usma.edu

Bobbe Vasos Bennett Asst. Women’s Tennis Coach 845-938-6015

Julie Chester Asst. Volleyball Coach 845-938-3294
julie.chester@usma.edu

Rafael Vega Asst. Wrestling Coach 845-938-5999
rafael.vega@usma.edu

Dean’s Office

http://www.dean.usma.edu/contactus.cfm

Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Department

eric.hague@usma.edu

Department of Military Instruction

Damien.King@usma.edu&subject=DMI External Home Page

Department of Physical Education

jennifer.trainer@usma.edu

Commandant’s Office

christine.ferraiuolo@usma.edu

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Exclusion of Teams from Hall of Fame Consideration

September 1, 2010 – 3:34 pm

The United States Military Academy’s Mission is to provide a Cadre of Officers for the Nation. Although the Athletic Department and Association of Graduates are not taxpayer funded they must support the Training of the Cadet Corps.

Note addresses have been removed for both privacy and brevity

Selected Comments for and against Hall of Fame Recognition of Teams

1. Letter to Director of Athletics – September 2010

August 29, 2010

Mr. Anderson

I was a Cadet during the period Col Blaik began the rebuilding of the Army Football Team. There was emphasis on Team success over individual success just as we as Cadets were taught the importance and success of a unit over our individual success.

As an Officer I served with the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment; 82d Airborne Division; 11th Airborne Division; 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment; Berlin Command; and 10th Special Forces Group. If you are unaware of the linage of units, suffice it say that some of the Army’s finest leaders led my units. Our success was achieved because of the subordination of our leadership to the success of the Command.

I believe, just as it was impressed upon the Cadet Corps in which I was a member, today’s Cadet Corps, especially in today’s society, must have impressed upon them the over riding importance of Team success over individual achievement.

In its seven years, The Army Sports Hall of Fame has selected some 73 Players, Coaches and Administrators, yet not one Team has received recognition.

I believe such a lack of recognition is a reflection of today’s society which trumpets the importance of the individual rather than the success of the organization. I believe such a lack of recognition is detrimental to the training of the future members of the Officer Corps which must serve this Nation.

Thank you for your time,

Respectfully,

J R Shelton

Joe Shelton

Class of 1944

2+?. To Be Added if Necessary

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Criteria Considerations

August 29, 2010 – 3:34 pm

In the process of trying to assist in development of Criteria for Team selections for the Amy Sports Hall of Fame we are contacting Universities and Colleges throughout the Nation.

There is one issue that motivates the effort to recognize Teams – that being The Army Sports Hall of Fame exists for today’s and tomorrow’s Cadet Corps – not we Graduates.

Universities confirm that recognition of Teams is an Administrative effort. Academy Graduates recognize MacArthur’s overcoming 42 Tides at Incheon as difficult.

1. It appears that the 150/Lightweight/Sprint Annual Reunions has been very successful – at least as far as Graduates are concerned. If the Coaching Staff feels the intermingling of Graduates and Players is helpful for the Team, then perhaps Team Selections for the Army Sports Hall of Fame recognition could occur during the season of each Sport rather than on a specific weekend in the Fall when Individuals are inducted. Such a process would allow inductees to meet with current Team Athletes.

2. Although West Point will probably never have another National Champion in any Sport, Criteria could be established such that Teams from the first 60 years are considered separately from Teams of the last 60 years. Even this breakdown might be too large a grouping requiring a more selected division. Teams which no longer have living Graduates could be inducted in the Fall along with individual Honorees.

Note although few Colleges and Universities have the number of outstanding Teams included in West Point’s Sports Lore – Greatness should not prevent recognition.

3. Wyoming – Kevin McKinney 307 766 2444

http://www.wyomingathletics.com/trads/hof-1993.html

National or Conference Champion or a Bowl attendee are automatically eligible, while any team that has brought credit to the University is considered. Team members attend, including coaches, trainers and managers. There is an Award Dinner in the Fall, each Honoree receives a plaque, and the entire team is Honored at Ã∞â√ıÃ¢â≈√Â Ã∞/Ã≠Â time of a Football Game in the Fall.

It is an administrative undertaking to honor a football Team – but well worth the effort. The program requires absolute support by the University for success. Mr. Kinney was interested in comment about honor teams during their respective seasons when the success of the West Point annual 150/Sprint/Lightweight Reunion was mentioned.

4. Oregon – Charles Warren 541 344 0922

http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=224890

National Champions and teams which have accomplished success in difficult circumstances are considered. (There is an example below)
Mr. Warren was very explicit – – The University must place a very very high importance in supporting athletics and must place a very very high commitment to Honoring Athletes and especially Teams for the Hall of Fame to succeed.

Oregon’s 1974-75 Men’s Basketball Team – Kamikaze Kids

They drove onto the floor and into the stands. They played tenacious defense and played before a continual string of sellout crowds in McArthur Court. The collection of some of the most well-known names on Oregon basketball history, they were known as the Kamikaze Kids. Accumulating a 21-9 record and a third-place finish in the 1974 National Invitation Tournament (NIT), two of the standouts both earned first-team All-America honors and became first-round selections in the NBA draft. Several others have made their marks in the collegiate and professional coaching ranks, patterning themselves after their college mentor Dick Harter. Included among the team members were Greg Ballard, Daryl Banks, Mike Barwig, Bruce Coldren, Mike Drummond, Burt Frederickson, Greg Graham, Stu Jackson, Ernie Kent, Ron Lee, Geoff Nelson, Ken Stringer, Gerald Willett; team managers Bob Gooze and Jim Kress; as well as assistant coaches Ron Billingslea, Jim Haney, Dick Stewart, Frank DeWitt and Paul Halupa.

Note the Criteria for Oregon’s Hall of Fame process and Team selection is available.

5. One Criteria at the Univ of Arizona is an automatic induction of any full varsity level team has won a NCAA/AIAW National Championship. We strongly recommend against such a Criteria as recognition of each team’s accomplishment even from many years past is believed to beneficial to the Corps of Cadets. We will contact Arizona to sort out the details.

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