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

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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

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(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

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Shaved heads Saturday October 15 marked the last time our school would face East Leyden in a varsity football game. The day before that, Greg Bodine decided to do something that would effect the next few months of his life. He shaved his head to spark the team up for a victory even though he would have to face chuckles and grins from his classmates. The other teammates were psyched up by Greg ' s actions and eight of them decided to do the same thing. It didn ' t bother me because I did it for myself and for the team, not for others, explained Greg. He also said that as a team they were never so emotionally ready for a game before. West Leyden went on to lose the game 14 to 0, but held the Eagles to no points in the entire second half which is something the players and Coach Ventrelli were proud of. Taking a breather on the sidelines in between plays, Sophomore Louie Alex and Senior Chris Rubino show their haircuts off at the East Leyden game. Looking for an Addison Trail receiver Captain and All-Conference linebacker Chris Rubino drops back in a hopeful attempt to get the ball for the knighls. With a full head of steam Jim Dunne tries to break a Hornet tackier and follow his blockers for enough yardage for a first down in the Homecoming game. 30