McCluer North High School - Polaris Yearbook (Florissant, MO)

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Stars’ spirit and pride Ready? Set? Hike! The center yelled and hiked the ball to the quarterback, who then threw it to one of the ends, who raced 75 yards to make a touchdown. The enthusiasm of the crowds and the thrill of victory pushed the sophomore football team on game after game. Though this was not one of their best seasons, they were always ready to play hard and do their best to please MN fans. But what kind of satisfaction could be achieved from practicing every day after school from around 2:30 to 5:00 and get- ting beat up or torn to pieces once a week for two hours? The thrill of just one touchdown seemed to be enough to make up for all the hard work put out by every- one on the team. Even the coaches had to have some reason for putting out their time and effort to make it possible for the guys who really wanted a chance to be on the team. “I coach football because | en- joy working with kids and seeing them progress,’ replied Robert Wallace, coach. The Stars tried but they still did not score a whole lot this year. They had hoped for a better season. But regardless of the scores, what counted was the way they felt. Dante Holliam, Kevin McClain, and John Giannola, sophomores, said, “We have messed up some, but we still feel proud about ourselves and our team.” “Im proud of the boys and the work they demonstrate.”’ - Rocky Ryan Locating the position of his teammate to catch the ball, Jim Keeney, sophomore, runs back for a pass. In the line of scrimmage, Ted Fanter, sophomore, prepares to hike the ball in the game against Hazel- wood West. Touchdown! In their game against Ritenour, Stars jump with excitement after scoring a touchdown. 154 Sophomore Football

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to execute a draw play. Pigskin bunch improves! “We're playing with more intensity this year,’ commented Coach Gerald Dwyer about the 1982-83 varsity football team. Playing on the team took a lot of hard work. Jim Gove, senior, said that the big job was “sticking out the practices.” Members would not get home until after six o’clock each day after practice. Dur- ing the summer, the team practiced Finishing the huddle, the Star’s offense gets ready twice a day. Why would the football play- ers undergo such hardships? Alan Thomp- son, senior, commented, “I just like to play football.” The team of sixty had a lot of size this year, and many players returned from last year. The team was also something that sparked school spirit and of which McCluer North was justly proud. The team finished the season with a surpris- ing record of 4 and 6. “Playing on the team is very diffi- cult, and it takes a lot of dedica- tion.” - Alan Thompson Members of the team must have earned- two credits during the preceding semes- ter. They also didn’t let football keep them from participating in other extra- curricular activities. Some were in PROBE, Dixieland Band and Choir. Others participated in other sports like wres- tling. All in all, the varsity football team was a group of dedicated and enthusias- tic individuals. Stepping into the pocket, Joe LaPorta, senior, pre- pares to send a pass downfield to his receiver. Not happy with the present situation, Jim Schott- mueller, coach, beckons to his captain. Varsity Football I53

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During practice, Rocky Ryan, coach, stands with three of his teammates discussing a new plan. Blige | With the crowd waiting in anticipation, Dante Hol- liam, and Jim Kenney, sophomores, tackle their op- ponent. With his opponent attempting to block his kick, Mike Smart, sophomore, kicks a field goal. Me one Ns mene 1982 Sophomore Football Coaches: Ryan and Wallace Parkway C. McCluer Hazelwood E. St. Louis U. High Hazelwood W. Riverview Ritenour Hazelwood C. Pattonville Sophomore Football I55