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

Page 33 text:

John Francis O’Meara Hones Bones, the last of the three O’Mearas, entered Kingswood in ’48 as a member of the Second Form. Little did he realize that in making the switch from St. Thomas he had become a member of the best Senior Class in the history of Kingswood. In his first year, Bones easily succeeded in making the York football and baseball teams and was a member of the inter- mediate basketball squad. He didn't do badly in his second year either, playing J. V. ball in all of the above mentioned sports. He played quarterback for Coach Ed Knapp’s varsity football squad in his third year. One thing can be said about Bones without any equivocation; he loves a good time. He is always ready and willing to take part in activities in and out of school. If one of the boys is giving a party, he will invariably be in the middle of it, doing his bit to make it a success. After the initial joy of touching the green velvet carpet, in the midst of which Kingswood is located, Bones settled down to work in this, his last year of high school. He won his letter easily in football by doing a superb job at his right guard position. During the winter months the worked hard and became the first member of the Senior Class to be accepted at college. In the spring he will, without doubt, be patrolling the pastures of center field for Mr. Knapp’s baseball team. As a spectator, John is an ardent Giant fan, convinced that they can beat the Dodgers in the pennant race this year. In addition to his class work and great interest in sports, Bones has found time to become an active member of the News board. He has spent much of his time and shoe leather so that our great school newspaper, the News, may continue to circulate. Boncs’s great sense of duty and responsibility, plus that certain knack of making friends is sure to stand by him in later years. We arc sure he will succeed in whatever he chooses to do and wish him the best of luck. 29

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Jay Moore O’Brien O'B Jay joined the Kingswood ranks in the fall of 1951. He attended the Abbey School for a period of two years prior to his arrival here. Because of his cvcr-rcady and inexhaustible humor,“O.B,” made for him- self the reputation of being a ‘right-guy’ among his classmates. Everyone felt that we had indeed received a welcome addi- tion to our class. During the winter months “O’B” be- came an important member of the newly- formed wrestling team. His humorous imitations of the television grapplcrs won him the acclaim of the entire wrestling squad. For his spring exercise program “O’B” chose tennis, and although the game was entirely new to him, he showed considerable promise as the season progressed. His senior year proved to Ik far from uneventful. During the fall sports season “O’B” chose soccer and became a good fullback. For a winter sport he chose wrestling, and again gained a position on the Varsity wrestling team in the middle weights. As spring rolled around, “O’B” turned his attention to tennis. He presently showed considerable talent at playing net as well as his regular back-court position. “O.B.” will long be remembered. His easy mannered ways as well as his willingness to help others have gained him many friends, and his dexterity with the pen-knife has brought him more than passing attention. 28

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Robert Franklin Ross Fade” Bob came to Kingswood from Sedge- wick in the fall of 1950 and, by being elected secretary-treasurer, soon estab- lished himself as one of the leading members of the Fourth Form. He also made a good showing on the athletic field where he played on the football, basketball, and baseball J. V. teams, win- ning his numerals in all three. In the Fifth Form year, Bob, because of his ballroom talents, was elected to the Dance Committee. He also lent his ad- getting talents to the News Board. He played end on the 1951 football com- bine, winning his letter for his perform- ance with that ill-fated team. Bob won a major “K” for basketball besides repeating as a numeral winner on the baseball team. In the fall of 1952, Bob was elected to the important class committee, which is the Sixth Form’s voice in school affairs and again performed his tasks for the Dance Committee and the News Business Board. In football besides earning another major “K” and a reputation as a tackier, Bob also gained a nickname from Mr. Knapp, that of Fabian Rossi, the Old First Nightcr. Ever since he has affectionately been called “Fabe” by his classmates. Bob again played on the first basketball team and at the end of the winter term added another “K” to his large collection. In the spring, Bob made the jump from the second baseball team to the varsity. Next year Bob hopes to lie residing at Middlcbury and viewing activities at Kingswood with a knowing eye. No matter where Bob, goes, we will always remember his coming in at 8:25 with his hair uncombed and his tic in his hand. 30