WITH THE BIG GREEN TEAMS
IF ever a team had the determination to win, it's the Big Green football team of 1960. The pre-season forecasters had predicted that the Green would finish in the Ivy League second division and no one could see it any different. No one, that is, except the team.
As this is written Dartmouth is still undefeated in Ivy League play and is now the co-favorite with Yale and Princeton to win the title. How could the early season predictions be so wrong?
Coach Bob Blackman explains it this way: that this year's team has a certain pride in not having seen a Dartmouth team finish in the second division in the past five years and in having lost only three league games since 1956. This year's team has built up a spirit to win and a determination to prove the predictions wrong.
With five games still to play, Dartmouth's ability to stay on top in the league race will depend on certain men who have already shown their ability to ignite that spark that can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Thus far two players have stood out in all four games. The first is Jack Kinderdine, 170-pound quarterback from Miamisburg, Ohio. A senior, Kinderdine has developed into a fine ball-handler, an able signal-caller, and a capable passer. It must also be added that he is an outstanding punter, averaging better than 40 yards a kick against both Brown and Holy Cross.
The second man is right halfback Al Rozycki, a senior from Chicago. He has been the workhorse of the Green backfield and the team's leading ground-gainer. The Holy Cross game was the ninth straight in which Rozycki had scored a touchdown.
Other backs can also be named who have begun to show promise of future greatness. They include fullbacks Dick Marrone and Dave Evans; halfbacks Greg Cooke, Jack Krumme, and Tom King; and quarterbacks Bill King and Dick Beattie.
A lot of credit for the Green's early successes must also be given to the line, which has proven rugged on both defense and offense. As a team, the Big Green was ranked third nationally in defense prior to the Holy Cross game.
The line is anchored by captain and center Ken DeHaven and is ably bolstered by guards Chuck Chapman and Hank Gerfen. The right tackle spot has been a problem, for senior Mike Mooney has been sidelined since the Penn game with a leg injury. Filling the gap have been Walt Grudi and Andy Zigelis. Jim McElhinney has proven his ability to hold down the other tackle position.
At left end Coach Blackman has had to find a replacement for the injured Connie Persels. Persels, who was injured in the Penn game, may be ready for action before the end of the month. Taking his place have been both Carl Funke and Mike Nyquist. Starting at right end has been Dave Usher, a junior and a letterman.
