The Writer's Life: The Writer's Life 4/15

Here's an article that appeared in the Lafayette News in September 1966. I do not recognize the author, who may have been an early proponent of political correctness. He did not cite our mascot, Redmen, once in the entire piece.
Gridders Undefeated In Pre-season
By Roy Kalzen
"Under the leadership of new coach Murray “Ace” Adler, the Lafayette football team is looking forward to its most successful season since the early 60’s. Hopes are riding high because of an impressive 3-0-1 record in pre-season scrimmages with victories over such teams as Bayside and Tilden. In its scrimmage against Tilden, Lafayette was a victor over a strong team by the score of 20-8. Nick Lanza and Ralph Betesh combined to score Lafayette’s three touchdowns, and a greatly improved defense held the opposition to one touchdown. The parents, seeing a new spirit in the team, have formed a Parents’ Club and have purchased a block and tackle machine to help the team acquire needed skills in practice sessions. As another added attraction, the Parents’ Club is also having programs for each game printed so that our team will now have the same publicity as schools like Midwood. The lineups for both teams will be printed in these programs. Thirdly, the parents have bought jersies for every boy on the team, so when Lafayette runs out on the field the team can wear its colors proudly. The student body of Lafayette High School owes the Parents’ Club a vote of thanks because they have greatly helped.
The weakest position on Lafayette’s offensive team, quarterback, has been filled this season with the acquisition of Herman Bell, who now can balance the squad’s offense and make Lafayette a threat in the air and on the ground. With Ralph Betesh backing him up, this position is solidly stocked with two capable boys this season."

Here's the roster. Most names are of Italian or Jewish origin. I used to say LHS was 45 % Jewish, 45% Italian, 10% other. There are several names I do not recall. Several are the most talented of that year's JV squad, who may have been promoted briefly to the varsity. Sadly, two men, that I know of, have left the playing field, one a childhood friend. The weight of many, including my own, is exaggerated. I was closer to 160 than 170. Zanca, at 225, seemed huge to us. By modern standards he would simply be big. There are several players we have not been able to locate. A reunion is being planned. I would love to see everyone one of them.
26 Capt. R. Betesh 185 HB
88 Capt. J. Pascarell 185 E
80 Alfano, J. 165 E
19 Bell, H. 170 QB
85 Berger, L. 180 HB
81 Budd, I. 175 E
41 Christakos, G. 175 HB
69 DeVico, L. 190 T
DeFillipo, J. HB
75 Elmo, F. 170 T
87 Elmuccio, J. (Moochie) 220 T
60 Felago, E. 190 T (RIP)
62 Finn, S. 185 C
56 Frank,S. 190 C
68 Fleishner, H. 190 LB
72 Fortezza, V. 170 G
50 Gaffan, V. 170 C
36 Galati, J. 140 HB
42 Greenberg, L. 170 E
73 Johnson, D. 195 T
86 Kreisberg, K. 120 E
14 Lanza, N. 155 HB
84 Lombardi, S. 160 E
77 Lotz, M. 165 E
53 Lubart, B. 195 DT
55 Manus,S. (Muzzy) 190 LB
24 McNair, M. 190 HB
67 Mizrahi, M. 210 T
31 Munna, J. 160 HB
23 Nelson, L. 190 E
89 Niditch. A. (Big Al) 160 HB
51 Ottochian, F. (Otto) 190 G
44 Pascarella, A. 140 HB
64 Palo, J. 205 T
33 Perretti. J. 175 LB
61 Plescia, J. (All-City) 190 G
21 Rackoff, M. 140 HB
16 Rescigno, N. DB 160
82 Russo, C. 170 WB
5 Sclafani, P. 140 HB
83 Seltzer, B. 160 E
18 Stock, M. 170 QB
65 Weinstein, H. 175 G
74 Zanca, F. 225 T
Managers:
Bill Costakes (RIP)
Louie Eng
Gary Heimber

There was no book shop today, as I accompanied a friend on a doctor's visit.
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