West Leyden High School - Shield Yearbook (Northlake, IL)

Page 32 text:

(JBBUEialili Improving steadily Outstanding efforts by the Knight football players resulted in the best season record since 1973. Under the leadership of a new head coach, Pete Ventrelli, the knights achieved the respect of fellow teams in the Des Plaines Vally League. Good quality young men allowed us to win three games and become close in several other games, are Coach Ventrelli ' s reasons for the sudden turn-around of the team ' s record. The knights proved, without a doubt, that they are capable of winning any game against any opponent. Opening the season right, with a 3-0 overtime win against the state ' s tenth rated team, Morton West, the players proved that this wasn ' t going to be just another season. Helping the team along were all-conference players Chris Rubino, Greg Bodine, and Brian Gallo. Gallo was also named most- valuable player. Good ciefensive plays, dedication, and good leadership from captains, Greg Bodine, Mark Venturini, Steve King and Chris Rubino, along with the coaches were the key to the success of this year ' s team. Records seldom tell the whole story. This was the case for the sophomores, who ended the season with a record of two and seven. Led by Coach Bruce Palmer and captains Larry Lloyd and Gary Rawlings, the teams devotion was overshadowed by the size and skill of the teams in the DPVL. With another year of experience behind them, the sophomores are ready and willing to make next year ' s varsity a big success. With discipline, hard work, and the devotion of 45 freshman turned in respectable records. Leading the way was the Freshman A team with a record of 5-3-1, the best in 19 years. With definite signs of im- provement, the Knights should be contenders of the North Suburban Conference in upcoming years. Getting ready to thread the needle is what Quarterback Pete Krueger is going to do as two Addison Trail defenders try to stop his plans in the loss to Addison Trail. Leading the Knights on to the field for a 22-6 victory over the Proviso East Pirates are captains, Greg Bodine, Steve King, Chris Rubino, and Mark Venturini. 28

Page 31 text:

A New Age in sports was thrust forth this year, beginning with a plan to change leagues next year, and resulting in a year brand new in spirit and pride. Among these changes was the sucessful start in the football season, enhanced by the guidance of new head coach Pete Ventrelli. Also attributing to this special year was an existing aura of spirit and pride. Each individual athlete pulled his own weight, making his way through the various seasons. The wrestlers learned well how it felt to have an empty stomach throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, while the soccer team suffered painful injuries. Each athlete continued on, in spite of many downfalls. Sports often plays a major part of growing and moving on in life. Lessons learned stay with us, even when the season comes to an end. Surely one can see traces of an undying pride among the shaved heads in the crowd. Keeping up the traditional rivalry with our crosstown counterparts, Chris Rubino and Louis Alex make sure that the East Leyden ballcarrier gets no further yardage.

Page 33 text:

Being tackled is Jim Dunne who was attempting to gain some extra yardage in the first quarter against the Hinsdale Hornets in the Homecom- ing game. Varsity Football: front row: Glen Crabanski, Rocky Casurella, Mike Witz, Tom Plazyk, Juan Jerez, Bob Gkowienke, Steve Maginity, Louis Alex, Mark Pacini row two: Brian Gallo, Don Schroeder, Chris Rubino, Pete Krueger, John Fornarelli, Steve King, Greg Bodine, Jim Dunne, Mark Hedstrom row three: Coach Pete Ventrelli, Coach Joe Sisco, Pete Macari, Fred Tompa, John Delaney, Mark Venturini, Brian Newman, Jim Tauber, Dave Bonk, Coach Bill Babington, Coach Carl Gebhardt. Clutching the ball fullback Juan Jerez ' s gain of thirty yards is to no avail as the Knights drop a hard fought decision against Addison Trail. Ugh! That smarts. Addison Trail ' s runningback thought twice about running that way again with All-Conference defensive end Brian Gallo hanging the left side of the field. 29