Elkhart High School - Pennant Yearbook (Elkhart, IN)

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 by Jeff Vamos W: pounding dummies boost blue effort to 16th state rank For 21 graduating seniors on the football team, it would seem that alUhe evidently aimless pounding of steel dummies, sore muscles, tape wrapping, and all those smelly-dirty T-shirts brought home to mom have paid off. Coach Tom Kurth's gridders finished their season at 7-3. Throughout the post, and mid-season. Kurlh made it a point to stress the fact that the seniors were the best group of people I've ever worked with. We were quite happy that they could finish the season on a winning note, having a fine football team, and 1 think that it was a big credit to them. And. indeed they finished on a very positive note. Crosstown rival Memorial was put to shame when Central ran off the field, arms raised in jubilation, a 21-0 victor in the final game of the season. Among other achievements were their 16th state ranking, and their second position in the N.I.C. With a very balanced roster, there were no superstars. The team concept was. and still is the most stressed philosophy in Kurth’s book of football. Leading the scoring for a successful year was receiver Frank Kurth with 75 points (33 PATs). Second among total points was leading rusher Kelly Custer with 66. Defensively. Gerald Johnson and Jim Kelly played important roles. Johnson had 12 sacks, and Kelly had 8 interceptions. Quarterback David Thomas passed for a total of 16 touchdowns for 897 yards. Using blocking from Bob Clark. Jim Harness effectively sweeps to the right. 12 Football

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Mr. B. “Whips the Charger horse on the N.H.S. float. Accompanying Mr. B. is Lori Stickel. Chris Quinn, and Mike Pritchard. by Me Me Chung 7 CVI UZ (m£ Powder Puff adds to spirit in 21-0 romp over Chargers As the years roll by Spirit Week becomes a tradition that blurs into bittersweet memories. But for a number of reasons, Spirit Week '78 was special. The week began on a spirited note with Overall and Hat Day. Hats and overalls were adorned by teachers as well as students. To make the short school week complete, the first annual Powder Puff football game was held between the senior and junior girls under the lights of Rice Field. After weeks of “intensive practice and the aide of several guys who were kind enough to donate their cheerleading and coaching service, the senior girls expertly stole the victory by winning 13-0. On Thursday, the numerous clubs and organizations spent the day stuffing chicken wire in order to participate in the Spirit Parade that evening. At 6:00 p.m. the floats and streamer-streaked cars proceeded down Main Street. The bonfire which followed displayed the ignited Blazer spirit. The evening of truth finally arrived. The question in Blazer fans' minds was, “Will this be the year?” The Blazer team was not going to disappoint them. The packed stands went wild and crazy” as the determined Blazer team scored one phenomenal touchdown after another, not budging once to give Memorial a fighting chance. Blazer fans poured onto the field at the close of the game with a 21-0 victory. All the preparations had finally paid off and the senior football players brought back Mangy! Spirit Week 11

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Mike Ihnken leads an offensive drive while Dave Thomas excecutes a play. As other Blazer defensive men penetrate the Memorial line, Joe Peterka and Scott Rodgers get to the QB. With pressure exerted by South Bend Riley lineman, quarterback Dave Thomas passes off. With a 21-0 victory over Memorial. Tim Fara hugs Amy White as Gerald Johnson gets a victory splash. Football 13