Freshman Sports
The Class of 1966 did itself proud with two outstanding fall teams. The football team finished with a 5-1 record, while the soccer team, coached by Ab Oakes, compiled a 9-1 mark. The booters' only loss came in the final match against St. Paul's.
Coach Earl Hamilton and assistant coach Neil Putnam developed a freshman football team that played above expectations. It was predicted that the '66's would be hurting at quarterback and looking for a capable passer. Despite this preseason forecast, a freshman team was recognized for its eagerness to play and its spirit and determination to win.
Bill Bower was rated as the best all around quarterback, while others in the backfield included Roger Pezzuti, a 5-6 speedster, John Shiver, who was a little taller at 5-8, and Gene Nattie at 5-9. Other backs to watch next fall include Mike Urbanic, John Donovan, and Ron Tracy. The end position was rated the best physically, with Bruce McKissock the top receiver.
Since our last report the Little Green shut out Holy Cross 9-0. McKissock was the hero of the game kicking a 20-yard field goal. Bower scored the touchdown off a lateral from Pezzuti.
At Harvard in snow and mud the freshmen lost their only game to a powerful Crimson team 24-6. Urbanic scored the lone touchdown on a three-yard plunge. The following week at Hanover, the '66s rebounded to edge Yale 7-6. Three Eli drives were stopped inside the 11-yard line. A 58-yard touchdown pass from Bower to end Ed Long netted the Green 6 points. McKissock kicked the winning extra point.
On the day before the varsity met Columbia, the '66s humbled the University of New Hampshire by the same 42-0 score. Then in their finale, they topped Connecticut 42-8.
The freshman soccer team should also provide some capable players for the varsity. Sparked by Captain Bruce Petrie of London, England, the booters put together nine straight wins before losing trie last match. Exeter was beaten 1-0, K.U.A. twice 4-1 and 1-0, Andover 2-0, Middlebury 3-2, Norwich 4-0, Harvard 2-1, Williams 2-1, and Brewster 3-0. The lone loss was to a strong St. Paul's team 3-1.
