Belmont Abbey College - Spire Yearbook (Belmont, NC)

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CRUSADERS Crusader Basketball and Baseball Review BY THE CONTACT SPORTS STAFF Usually when i school hai i ream thit wins only five out of 19 contests, people sort wondering what u wrong. There u my number of factors that can be considered in the case of this years Crusader five Looking for the different weaknesses, we see that among the prominent are: missing free throws (the Crimson and White lost five close ones due to their inaccuracy from the 15 foot marker), early season inexperience, and poor fan support. When Coach Wheelers original five took to the floor last November, they were De Turk, a freshman from Upper Darby, Pa., with no experience, at center; Kelly, last seasons big star and the captain, and Shine, a four-year player from Goldsboro High School, as forwards; Gibson, another returnee, and Yacobi of Hampton High School, at guards. Throughout the games, this starting lineup varied somewhat but the boys rounded into a fine smooth -working squad that looked like a good club during their last seven games. So now the 1951 season is finished. It was one which all who really followed the squad will remember; for, although the record isn ' t one to be envied, it was complete with thrills and some fine playing. However, on the good side of the ledger, we find that four of the boys who provided most of the seasons punch will be rerurning. Center De Turk, who amassed a total of (327) markers. Shine (149), Yacobi (95), and Raftery, all will be back in the crimson uniforms if khaki uniforms aren ' t substi- tuted. Peterson, a Winston-Salem freshman who missed most of the season with a broken arm, RozzeUe, Creery, and Kennedy will make the nucleus for a good team. With next seasons outcome a secret of the future, we want to say goodbye and wish luck to Captain Bob Kelly who easily was the most outstanding player on both defense and offense with a 184 total; also, gratitude to Frank Gragnani and Hoot Gibson and to reserves John Yacobi and Frank Souza, who possessed the kind of team spirit that we hope will be instilled for the next BASEBALL BEVIEW With a five won and two lost record at this writing, the 195 1 edition of the Belmont Abbey baseball team stands a fine chance of coming out on the top of the heap, come May 20. Gene Hanna is the main reason for the Abbeymen ' s third place posi- tion. Sam Rhyne, who has been doubling as short-stop pitcher dropped two heartbreakers. Tommy Davis has one win— that a 17 run slugfest in which he showed fine form. Bias and Dudley round out the Abbey mound staff. Captain Dick Bain has been doing fine work behind the plate. First base is being ably handled by BiU Frain. Frank Gragnani is a mainstay at second. Otis Helms and Erskine Rhodes, respectively, have been dividing third base chores. Sam Rhyne at short completes the infield. In Rhyne and Gragnani, Coach Wheeler possesses a better than average double-play duo. Jim Ros, a Prep speedster, is in left field and Tom Melvin is proving to be a terrific asset in center. Hanna and Bob Kelly have been sharing right field duties. Frank Creery and Jerry Leeper are being used as utility in fielders. Graduates on the ' 51 roster include Sam Rhyne. Frank Gragnani, Bob Kelly. Tom Melvin. Captain Dick Bain, Erskine Rhodes and Otis Helms. Conact will have to complete this history as we go to press before the baseball season ends.

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The Second Prep held its annual SOPHOMORE HOP on the 6th. The 20th was a gala date because the Third Prep gave us the now famous APRIL SHAG The social pace is killing. Reading this, one would think that we were living only for die social festivities. How wrong the thought! We had our intramural matches in tennis, handball, horseshoes, etc., when weather permitted. Our Crusaders were a power on the diamond and looked like champions. Scholastically we were bearing down at long last! May, the last month of hard work! Another year slowly grinds to an end. As this report goes to press we have the following dates facing us. The 3rd is Ascension Thursday and a free day. The Fourth Prep ' s biggest little dance SPRING SWING is due on the 5th. The Beta Alpha Sigma ' s picnic is scheduled for the 6 th. We ' ll all be present for Father Gabriel ' s, St. Benedict ' s Bazaar on the 9th (we hope). The 12th has been chosen as the Second Prep ' s picnic day. The 17th will find the Junior-Senior Banquet in full enjoyment. The final formal dance on the 19th. And on the 20th, the final production by the ABBEY PLAYERS will take place— it ' s Arthur Millers ALL MY SONS . The 28th will see us deep in exams— ugh! Good luck to alL June— it ' s all over now! Our Solemn Academic Mass of Thanksgiving and Baccalaureate Sermon takes place in the Abbey Cathedral on the 3rd. Monday the 4th, the graduating class of the Prep Department will hold its class day exercises in the college auditorium. June the 5th is the day of days — Graduation! So another year has passed into history. Goodbye, good luck, God Bless all of us. AtdatftUAfJu

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CRUSADERS - - THEIR PICTORIAL REVIEW ( SSC£. John Yacobi - Robert Yacobi - Porter Gibson - Hu h Sh - - ■ m Te Zl Gaeaa Kdly ' Phi ' De ™ ' - ABSENT: Frank Souza, Frank Rozelle.