Kingswood Oxford High School - Retrospect Yearbook (West Hartford, CT)

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Jon Philip Curtis Cun It was a bright September morning when Jon made his first appearance, trying desperately to arrive at our Form room before 8:25. Ever since that first day, he has had a struggle to get here on time. He had previously passed his freshman and sophomore years at Peoria High in Illinois, where he displayed his speed as a member of the cross country team. His junior year was spent at Hall High in West Hartford, where he was a member of the Jayvcc golf team. This past fall, Jon lent his well-trained foot as a full- back for Chick Jacobus’ Varsity team. His hard work and skill won him a major “K.” at the end of the season. Jon also became a member of the business board of the Classbook and has worked hard toward its completion. In the winter, this lanky lad could be seen on the Kingswood hoop court, tossing up Western style one-handers and eye-filling jump shots. These two abilities have made him a valuable asset to the Varsity hoopsters. He also spent some time in the bowling alleys. When Spring rolled around, big Jon lent his talents to the Golf team, under Mr. Jacobus’ guidance. Jon’s fine qualities of friendliness to everyone and his willingness to help others make us wish we could have had more than a year’s association with him. We know that through his college days, he’ll be glad to remember his schoolmates. 12

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James Joseph Conran 7 w Jim Conran, although leaving Kings- wcod bodily, is not really leaving, for he has left his mark. He has spent three profitable, active years in the lair of the Wyvern. The first year “Big Jim” entered the school, he took an active part in athletics. In the Fall season he made his first attempt at soccer, playing goalie on the jayvee squad. However, he received a broken ankle in a game and missed a good deal of action. As soon as he recovered, and Winter term rolled around, he showed every one that he was no beginner at basketball, playing on a good “third” team. When it came time to sign up for Spring sports, Jim must have been feeling rugged, for he jotted his name on the lacrosse roster. He was initiated into the game at mid-field position, and was soon swinging as mean a stick as anyone. He received his first “K” for his efforts. In the ensuing year James Joseph Patrick Conran decided he had no use for broken ankles and became a stellar performer for Mr. Farquhar's jayvee football squad. Playing fullback, he was the leading scorer for the team. When the snowy season began, Jim played jayvee hoop, and, having been elected captain, led them through a six game schedule without too many bumps. He showed such spirit and hustle that he was invited up to the varsity, where he played excellently. The spring-time found him once again bashing skulls at mid-field, and he was a high scorer for Mr. Eblcn’s stickers. Then came summer! This type of weather found Jim making frequent trips to the southern part of Connecticut with “Stick”, in the “Conranmobile” — an exclusive English Ford — to visit “friends”. At this point Jim also began to ask questions about Mount Holyoke. When his senior year rolled around Jim decided to really pitch in and take part in some extra-curricular activities. In between his getting ads for the News and the Wyvern, he was consistently ripping off huge chunks of yardage for the varsity gridders at both fullback and halfback positions. He received a well earned “K”. In the winter he showed such fight and pepper that he proved invaluable to the varsity quintet. Not being able to resist hitting people on the head, Jim once again returned to the field of many a thrilling lacrosse battle, giving his best to his athletic finale at Kingswood School. “Big Jim” could almost always be seen with “Stick” Donahue, having known him formerly as a schoolmate at Mt. St. Charles Academy. It was either the Conranmobile or the Blue Streak”. There was always a “Jack and Jim” episode to discuss during the earlier part of the week. Jim is the type of guy you like to have around, whether it’s to do you a favor or to share in a laugh or two. Others will find this true when Jim attends college, and still after college, in his business relations. Our best to “Big Jim”. II

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James Snow Devlin Rocty’ Rocky sauntered through the Russell Gate across the senior green into the Fourth Form house in the fall of 1949. Because of his never ending humor and friendly manner, he immediately gained popularity with the entire class. Rocky’s fall sports season consisted of junior varsity soccer, with a few days off now and then for meetings with the 3:30 club. For a winter sports program, he took morning basketball and became a member of the club. During the spring months, Rocky be- came a member of the junior varsity base- ball team. Owing to an injury to his hand, he was forced to give up baseball and take tennis. As a junior, Rocky proved to have considerable promise on the soccer field. When November rolled around, he chose to take wrestling as his winter sport. He was a member of Kingswood’s first wrestling team. By pinning three out of his four opponents Rocky proved to be the best wrestler in the lightweight division. He again chose tennis as his spring sport. Rocky worked diligently on improving his service and back-hand returns. As the end of the season drew near, a marked improvement could Ik: seen in his game of tennis. His senior year was far from uneventful. Jim won a starting position on Mr. Jones’ junior varsity soccer team, as left wing. For his fine play and wonderful team spirit he earned his letter in soccer. In the winter Rocky again chose wrestling as his sport. Because of his avid devotion to it, he attained a position on the varsity team. Rocky was one of the three outstanding wrestlers picked to represent Kingswood in the 1953 Western New England Wrestling Championships. During the spring sports season, he continued to improve his tennis game. Jim will always be remembered by the class for his fine wit and humor, and we arc sure that wherever he goes, he will have many friends about him. 13