Middletown High School - Optimist Yearbook (Middletown, OH)

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Harry Pierce Harry, better known as Big Train , was one of that trio of giant tackles who put the power in the Middie forward wall. Though hampered by injuries at various times during the season, Pierce played real football when he had the chance. His specialty on the defense was sliding through the opposing line to nail the runners for losses. Like many Middie linesmen, he showed up best in defeat, turning in his best performance of the season at Portsmouth's Universal Stadium. Sellurn Alexander Big Sebe , the Middies' gigantic left tackle, was handicapped in the latter part of the season with a bad knee, but nevertheless he has given many an enemy end some bad dreams, looming up above them as he did. His work against Steele was only one example of his stellar defensive ability and when a play was called through his position, Alexander usually mowed down a hole large enough to drive a horse and wagon through. Mighty Sebe will be a big loss to M. H. S. next- year. Trumon Gray Trumon is that lanky, husky tackle, who planted himself in the right side of the line to stay. There were very few ends who could move him. He is one of the seven reasons for the small number of iirst downs made against M. H. S. Interference meant little to Trumon. If he couldn't move the opposing end, he would just stretch out those long arms of his and gather the end, ball carrier, and any other enemy that happened to be near him into his grasp. Art Strong Dude was the big triple threat back of the Lingrel combination, and he will be remembered especially for his hard, clean playing, both on the offense and defense. Strong's specialty was a hard smashing drive through the line, and on many an occasion, yardage gained from his line bucks secured a needed extra yard. Most of the punting was done by Art, and at making kickolfs, he was seldom surpassed. He was particularly outstanding in the Portsmouth game. 51101

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X . .M Merle Wendt Although only a junior, Merle was this year a seasoned veteran, and surpassed his fine record of last year. Becoming the Iron Man of his team, he played through out nearly every game. His slashes off tackle made many a needed yard, and nearly always a first down when it was needed most. As a forward pass receiver, he doted on those short heaves over the line, especially in the Roosevelt game when he tallied three touchdowns. Merle covered his zone in fine fashion, and played a good consistent game. Stanley Armitage Forced out of the game by injuries in the Washington Court House skirmish, Stan was on the bench for several weeks., Shrimp's loss was a hard blow to the Middies, as he was one of our most efficient backs. Stan was a sure tackler, a consistent blocker, and a good ball carrier. What he lacked in size, he more than made up in punch and aggressiveness. The opposing backfield men, to their sorrow, always knew when mighty Shrimp made the tackle. Gerald Horn The pivot position on any football team is a difficult spot to handle, but Jerry took care of it in line fashion. His was no easy task, roving behind the line, responsible as a full back for backing up the line and downing passes. Horn's accurate passes from center did much toward making the season a success. When the pigskin was deep in Middle territory, Jerry could be depended on to catch a loose pass, make smashing tackles, and create a general disturbance for the enemy backs. Harlen Romans All hail! Here's our brilliant speedster, Biscuit , who thrilled us in nearly every game. Once he got around an opposing team's end, it was a sure touchdown, as Steele learned from experience. Despite his lack of weight, Harlen was a dangerous man, and was always in the thick of the battle. He was a constant threat when carrying the ball, and a good defensive back. He also developed ability as a pass receiver, and joined the ranks of those who caught the pigskin heaved from McMann's accurate arm. f109:I

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Alfred Dean Although he didn't get into many of the games this season, Dean took advantage of every opportunity, and made his presence felt in the lineup on every occasion. Al developed into an excellent blocker and tackler, and his smashing style of play ruined many an opposing backfield jaunt. His stick-to-it-iveness made him a good end, and had the season lasted longer, Dean would no doubt have seen more active service. Ernest Gehm Ernest was another of the Purple guards, and he was all that his name implies. Suifering from an injured ankle, Ernie was kept out of several games during the season, but when he did play, he made his presence felt. He possessed a do or die spirit in the games, and it was very seldom that an opponent took him out of the picture. In the Steele game he did some very good work, and his stellar defensive and offensive tactics did much toward putting the score on our side of the ledger. Tony Likiarthis Besides being a first-class ball snapper, Tony was a valuable man on defense, where his ability to diagnose plays aided him in intercepting passes and stopping running plays. In the Washington C. H. game, it was Tony who snagged the pass which paved the way for the final touchdown. Kicking off when Strong was not in the lineup, Tony consistently booted the oval far down the field. Although light, he always gave his utmost, playing a steady game at. all times. J. B. MCMSIIH ' McMann, whose excellent generalship played a prominent part in the team's success, is gifted as a place-kicker, runner, and passer. A spinner play or delayed buck was his specialty, and carried him many yards. When the ball had been pushed across the goal-line, it was usually the stocky quarterback who heaved the pass or booted the goal for the extra point. His dynamic presence will be missed next year. for no matter how tough the sledding, Jason's chatter always encouraged his teammates. 51111