St Xavier High School - Xaverian Yearbook (Junction City, KS)

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SEASON’S RECORD OPPONENT WE THEY Jefferson West 19 14 Glasco 13 12 Clyde 6 54 Downs 20 13 White City 43 0 North Central 6 29 Luckey 13 6 St. John’s 6 12 Hope 6 26 Line coach Dale Bond tries to improve the blocking techniques of two freshmen. FROM THE ASHES OF DEFEAT THE RAMS RISE TO A WINNING SEASON After a disappointing 1-8 season last year, the Rams football team came back like the legendary Phoenix rising out of it’s ashes to post a winning record despite a tough slate of opponents. Although they were picked to finish last in the Solomon Valley League, the team finished with a strong fourth place. Ignoring the predictions of a 51 point rout by Glasco, they showed what can be accomplished through determi- nation and team effort. This was to be but the beginning of a remarkable comeback for the Rams. In the face of overwhelming odds the team played every minute of each game with devotion, desire, and determination. In the words of head coach, Richard Anderson, three things led the Rams to victory. First and foremost was the senior leadership, “The seniors worked hard during the off season, they set their goals high and they didn’t give them up when they seemed impossible to reach.” The second major asset of the Rams was that they were consis- tant; they went all out every minute of every practice. They ran their last sprint as hard as the first, and never slowed down in between them. The third important factor for the Rams was their strong team effort. Each man had his own job to do and if he finished that he helped the man next to him. “One man doesn't win a football game all by himself, it’s eleven men working together like one.” Until his injury Tom Winterscheidt was the teams’ leading rusher but still ended up as the top defender. Half- back, Justin Hoover, ended the season as the teams’ leading rusher. Quarterback, Jerry Grier, who did a fine job of directing offense, could pass as well as run the ball himself. He often found tight end, Cleveland Lavender in the open for long gains. Cleveland also contributed heavily to the Rams defense. The Rams tough center, Alan Hop- per, was nicknamed “The Bully” after several bonecrushing tackles. The Rams back could run to either side of the line as senior tackles, Bob Knapp and Mike Helton, opened the holes wide. Very few teams were able to run up through the Rams middle, because of guards Joey Boiler and Joe Hargreaves. Junior, Bill Colvin, and sopho- mores, Tom Boiler, Tom Tighe, and Rod Mays also contributed heavily to the Rams rushing and passing attacks. Like the historic bird, the Rams did indeed rise from the ashes of defeat to have a winning football season. 21

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Rams Starters: kneeling left to right, Mike Minnerath. Bob Knapp, Joe Hargreaves, Alan Hopper. Joey Boiler, Mike Helton, standing: Bill Colvin. Justin Hoover. Jerry Grier, Tom Winterscheidt, Tom Tighe. Not pictured is Cleveland Lavender. Lavender snags one to set up the touchdown. Following a touchdown made during the Glasco contest, Jerry Grier attempts two points.

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FOUR RAMS GAIN LEAGUE HONORS End. Bill Colvin, races downfield after completing a Grier pass and sets up the ensuing touchdown. When the Rams entered a new league this season they wanted to make a good impression on the other teams, and their coaches. The best way to do this was to place as many members as possible on the All-League team. The Rams did a very fine job of this by placing four members on the All-League team. Another Ram received Honorable Mention. Ram fullback, Tom Win- terscheidt, was named to the All-League team. Jerry Grier was picked as the best safety in the league. Cleveland Lavender received the defen- sive end award, and was co-winner of the best defensive line man award. Center, Alan Hopper, was the unanimous choice for the center slot. Tackle, Bob Knapp, received Honorable Men- tion. The Rams had the third highest number of players on the All-League team. Justin Hoover shows his ability as a runner as he goes in Coach Anderson congratulates his All-League players: Jerry Grier, Tom untouched for a touchdown in the Downs game. Wintcrscheidt, and Alan Hopper. Not pictured is Cleveland Lavender. 22