* Photo Gallery of the 1948-52 Football Reunion
ITHACA, N.Y. -- Guys who, in their bright college days, were the first Big Red team to sink Navy and others who, so far, are the last to mash Michigan returned on a gorgeous September weekend for the annual reunion of Coach Lefty James' two-time Ivy champion Redmen of 1948-52.
Walt Bruska rounded them up again for fine dining, wining, tailgating, updating, merriment and nostalgia, topped off with a basting of the Bucknell Bison to get a new season off flying high.
Former President Frank H.T. Rhodes met one-on-one with most of those present before Friday night dinner at the Statler where he told the assemblage "You embody in the best sense the concept of scholar-athletes" and "the power of friendship . . .Thank you, congratulations and welcome home."
Many of them followed the '09 team in the now-traditional parade from their breakfast at the Statler to the stadium. The last uphill yards or so seemed a bit longer than they were 60 years ago. Tailgating and the 33-9 Bison bashing followed.
In the evening, the Meakem*Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, Andy Noel, and the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach of Football, Jim Knowles '87, joined the celebration of an auspicious opener. It was reported that Carolyn Sampson had been invited to the locker room after the game to accept a game ball in memory of her Harvey.
Knowles said the '48-'52 crew is "our greatest generation" and inspirational to the youth of today. He spoke of the rigorous training he introduced this year ("Once you have endured it, it improves your character," he said.) He told of the team leadership council he and Cornell Navy ROTC executive director Marine Lt. Col. Jerome P. Rizzo established this year. Leadership on and off the field can be taught, he and Col. Rizzo agree.
Dick Loynd, advocate for the defense platoon for these many years of Big Red reunions, read from game critiques James and his staff had prepared week by week for the Ivy champs. Many were present. There was praise (mostly for guys who played offense, the pillar of the defensive line maintained). One of the reports concerned a game Cornell won, 27-0 (so the defense probably hadn't done much too wrong.)
His summation: "I can't tell you how proud I am to have played with you." (Offense definitely included.) And it was mutual.
The team met Sunday for breakfast at the Ithaca home of Jack and Ann Rogers. They agreed with longtime event leaders and organizers Walt Bruska and Rip Haley to do it again next year.
On hand for the revels of '09: Hal Seidenberg, Clancy and Barbara Fauntleroy, Dick and Ann Clark, RIchie and Pat Moran, Todd and Nancy Kolb, Ted and Jeanne Thoren, Joe Dwyer, Rip and Pat Haley, Pete and Nancy Bolanis, Art Harre and his daughter, Jennifer Side Bottom, Eileen Chipouras, Jack Rogers, Walt Bruska, Frank Bradley, Jeff and Mary Fleischmann, Vera Farrell, Carleen Skawski and Bill and Betty Scazzero and a number of guests.
Lots of talent in that group.
