In Memoriam . . . General Page
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Sincerely,
Ted Silary
Your Contributions . . .
For Vince Miller . . . Frankford High basketball coach
He was Smiling the Whole Time!
It's not often that a man can look back on his life and see the hand of
God. I can and God of mercy saw fit to put my life
in the hands of one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of being
around, Coach Vinson Miller. I played for Coach Miller at Frankford High School
(class of 1982) and while coach was as tough as the devil when we were in the
gym or at a game. He was old school in that he believed in discipline. I can
remember the things he put us through after a loss, these young bucks today
could not survive things like crab walk suicides or sitting arms extended with
you back against the wall for what seemed like hours, I laugh at it now but I
cry then believe me. Mr. Miller seemed to have a special dislike for me and it
seemed like he was always on me about something or another. I asked him one day
why he stayed on me so much? It was then that he said something that sticks with
me until this very day he said, "Don't worry that I stay on you so hard son.
Worry when I stop." I share that with kids that I coach and even my own son.
Mr. Miller was a whole different person off the court though. I can
remember going to the team picnics at his house and how warm and inviting he was
although I was never quite sure if he was smiling or not, lol. His wife and kids
were always welcoming and made us feel at home. It broke my heart to open the
Daily News and see that my coach had passed. I went to his viewing that Saturday
and watched the presentation on the big screen of the church and low and behold
all the time I thought Mr. Miller was grimacing he was actually smiling. Thank
you Coach Miller for what you instilled in me and I thank you Mrs. Miller for
your warmth and grace whenever we invaded your home. Thank you to his daughter
and son Reds for sharing your father. He was a Father to many at crucial times
in our lives.
-- Nick F. Jenkins (Frankford Pioneer class of 82)
For “Mister” Nick Kueny . . . St. Joe’s Prep athletic trainer
Ask any alumnus of St.
Joe’s Prep that played any sport and graduated in the 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s
who “Mister” is and they will immediately name Mr. Nick Kueny. I met him
in 1977, when I played
Freshman football. I knew he had been a part of the school since 1939
because he was able to
provide vivid details concerning the 1939 City Championship Football
team. I believe “Mister”
was a freshman that year and he graduated in 1943. I don’t know what year
he became the
school trainer, but I’ve read testimonials from students who remember him
taping their ankles
in the 50s. More importantly, he taped ankles immediately after school
and he went to
practices and games, every day. In the fall, the football players and
soccer players knew
him. In the winter, it was the basketball team. In the spring, I’m
pretty sure he was there
for baseball and track, and whatever sport required his attention. But
more importantly,
every student and/or athlete who ever met him seems to feel that he was
their friend. In my
Junior year he spotted me on the corner one morning waiting to take the bus
to the
Broad Street subway. He invited me into his station wagon and told me
that from now on,
he would drive me to school on game days. From what I can tell, he did
this with MANY
other student athletes. But most importantly, he was a very humble man
who never
called attention to himself. Those who knew him, were aware of what he
did. Those
who didn’t know him, may not even be aware of his name.
-- anonymous
P.S. -- It seems more fitting to know that what I wrote could have come
from any one of several
thousand student athletes.
For Baron Adams . . . George Washington FB Player (Class of 2006)
My prayers go out to his family and close ones. No
matter what the situation was, I can only describe Baron as a good classmate
and teammate because no matter what the outcome was going to be, Baron
always was determined in a positive way. I'm going to miss you man. I love
my boi.
-- David Porter
For Leo Broadhurst . . . Cardinal O'Hara Football Coach/Teacher
Today the O'Hara community and the O'Hara Football family
lost a teacher, Coach and a friend with the passing of Mr. Leo Broadhurst.
To me I simply knew him as Coach or Mr. Broadhurst. I was lucky enough to
have gotten to know Coach during my fours years at O'Hara I was even luckier
to have him has a teacher the course he taught was World History II but he
also taught me so much about one of things that I love more than anything in
the world and that's O'Hara Football and Football in general. He always made
his classes interesting and made it easier for me to understand war
strategies into football terms. That year was when I started writing for
Ted and it's because of Mr. Broadhurst that I have the knowledge of O'Hara
football that I do. There's several things about Mr. Broadhurst that I won't
ever forget such as his famous Yay Napoleon or how he always didn't mind me
walking into to his room for a visit and to talk football even if he had a
class going. Today we lost a great friend, teacher and coach. But our loss
is God's gain. RIP Mr. Broadhurst or as I knew you as Coach. You will be
surely missed. Thank you for everything you've done for me. To the
Broadhurst Family: You will be in our prayers.
-- Willie McGonigle
Cardinal O'Hara Class of 2008
For Gerry Shotzbarger . . . Cardinal Dougherty Basketball Player (Class of 1974)
For John Fletcher . . . Bishop Egan Football Player (Class of 1989)
Everyone
remembers what a special player John was. That ’88 team
accomplished some great things and John's ability, character,
toughness, leadership and relentless play were a large part of
the reason. He started as our “5-2” linebacker and fullback in
the wishbone and excelled. We had a good, tough team but we
were not deep and many guys played both ways like John. They
started the ’88 season by upsetting (in most people's minds)
McDevitt and snapping their 23-game winning streak. I remember
well that the McDevitt QB saw PLENTY of John that day. John and
I had recently talked about how he had gained over 150 yards in
the first half against North only to have the game end that way
due to the untimely death of an NC assistant coach at halftime.
The ’88 team also shut out undefeated La Salle, 9-0, in the
playoffs and John was a huge factor defensively. John’s ’88
team also took the PCL champion, Archbishop Ryan, to the wire in
the regular season AND the playoffs despite losing 2-way (LB and
HB) player Sean Corrigan, to injury on the first series of the
playoff game. They (John and his teammates) always said they
ran out of time or they would have won the game. He also
recalled that he later made contact with Frank Wycheck of the
’88 AR team and they would talk about those games and their
playing days. Mike Tos has John as a starting linebacker on his
All-Time BishopEgan/Conwell-Egan first team.
At last fall's Truman/Conwell-Egan Thanksgiving game, the ’88 Egan team
captains -- John Fletcher, Steve Schurr and Charlie Coleman --
were honorary captains for that game. John spoke to the CEC
team before the game and it was great to see them win the game.
It was a very happy day for John, who was there with his wife,
Jess, and son, Jake. John was friendly with the ’88 Truman
captains as well, which made it even better. Glen Galeone and I
were there along with many of his teammates and it was a very
happy and enjoyable reunion for John and all of us. When the
’88 team defeated Truman on Thanksgiving Day, 1988, it was the
third game they had played in 11 days. They played La Salle on
Monday night in the playoffs, Ryan on Friday night in the
Northern final and Truman the following Thursday on
Thanksgiving. That took a lot of resolve after a disappointing
loss to Ryan but John, the other captains and teammates had a
lot of character and they went forward without feeling sorry for
themselves. I think that character and resolve was seen in John
to the end. He battled as hard as he could and remained
positive and strong up to the moment he died. He was a great
football player but an even greater person. John Fletcher will
be sorely missed.
-- Chuck Knowles
4/10/11
For Herm Rogul, former Bulletin sports writer . . .
As a 10 year old, following my older brother around watching him
play in the Phila. Pen-Del League, Herm used to cover the games
for his People in Sports columns and used to do a lot or
articles publicizing the local amateur and semi-pro leagues.
Two memories during one game..... had to be 1962-63 I was about 11
years old..my brother was 25-26....
1 - Watching my brother play for Glen Oaks (later Glanzmann Cars) at
Tarken Playground. I used to be the bat-boy for the team and
would always be looking over Herm's shoulder while he kept a
scorecard. He asked if I wanted to learn how to keep score,
which I did...
2 - During the game, the pitcher for my brother's team, lefthander named
Graham... was pitching a no-hitter. I happened to blurt that
fact out in the bottom of the 7th inning... and you know what's
next...... line drive base-hit to center field..... I learned
what a baseball superstition was on that day. lol...
He was the best. Also learned the definitions of "bingle" / "can-of-corn"
etc. from Herm. And from others some words for which my Mom
washed my mouth out with soap and smacked my brother in the
head... lol....
-- Gerry Sasse
2/9/12
For Tom Mazza, former basketball announcer/youth coach . . .
I was so sorry to hear of Tommy Mazza's passing. He was a great
guy. We used to umpire together years ago. I offer my
condolences to his family. He will be missed.
-- Bob Dillon
9/6/12
For Chuck Knowles, former football coach and athletic director at Egan/Conwell-Egan
I was very saddened
when my brother informed me of
Coach
Knowles passing this morning. I attended and played
football for the Bishop Egan Eagles from 1985-1989. I was a
senior in 1988, I believe our team went 6-5-1 and lost to Ryan
in the Northern Division Finals in a close game. I have so many
good memories from that season. Coach Knowles was truly
committed to that team and group of seniors. I know he had a
chance to leave for a significantly higher paying teaching job
in a public school district during the summer of 1988. I have
no idea what his financial situation was at the time or has
become since but I assume this was a major life decision for
him. It could not have been easy to turn down a significant pay
increase at one of the more prestigious public schools in the
area. I know he had a family with children and now myself
having a family with children makes me have even more respect
his decision to stay committed to what he was building. Even
though we did not pay him in full for his commitment with a PCL
championship; I know he held our two huge victories over Bishop
McDevitt (to snap their 23 game winning streak on opening day)
and beating an undefeated Lasalle team in the first round of the
Northern Division playoffs close to his heart.
Coach Knowles gave us many great memories and stories to relive, some
humorous and some motivational. He had a very quick wit and
often used this to get his point across. Our junior year we
were young and ended up be devastated with injuries, not a good
combination in the PCL, I think we finished 2-8. Anyway his
quick wit left some lasting impressions, I had to miss a few
games with a lower back injury. Coach Knowles made it a point
of nicknaming me, Sorebak, playing off my last name pronounced Sirbak.
It was a bit annoying as you may imagine. My teammates didn't
leave that one alone for while. However, point taken, I spent
the off season in the weight room getting stronger and had no
back issues the rest of my playing life and became a decent OT
the following year. Another moment from our junior year was
after an early season loss in which a RB fumbled twice. Monday
after watching the game film and "correcting" the RB especially
making the point of not wearing sleeves during a game because in
his mind sleeves result in fumbles. (I have coached football for
11 years at both the college and high school levels, our backs
are not allowed to wear sleeves!) As we were walking to the
practice the RB was off talking with his girlfriend, Coach
Knowles saw this and calmly looked at the two, looked at the
group walking to the field to ensure he had our attention and
said something to the following, "With the way you hold onto the
ball you may want to hold onto her extra tight, I'd hate to see
you fumble her away!" He immediately looked to the group of
us, saying through that Coach Knowles smirk/smile (that all my
teammates will remember) "Right?" and took the field. We
laughed and laughed. I am almost sure the RB never fumbled again
and I am certain never wore sleeves again :).
As I already mentioned Coach Knowles stayed committed to our group of
seniors but in writing my thoughts down I now realize he was
able to recognize the potential on a 2-8 team with no real crazy
superstar talent as other teams had in the PCL. We were a blue
collar hit you in the face team that won with defense and a
physical running game. I remember him believing in us both as a
team and individually. I can remember before the season started
after an off season spent exclusively in the weight room
a sports equipment rep commenting on how he was surprised by our
size. Coach Knowles made the point to the man that we and me
specifically had put an incredible amount of time in the weight
room and were ready for McDevitt. Just hearing him talk with
confidence to this stranger gave me a ton of confidence. He
really believed in us. A week or so later after one of the best
pregame speeches I've heard in which Coach predicted we would be
faced with adversity and that is the time that will matter
most both in the game and in life. Get up and hit back. Get
back in the canoe and keep paddling.( I still use this teaching
today with the players I coach and the kids I work with in
residential treatment center in Duluth, MN) Well just as
predicted we scored early to take maybe a 3-0 lead. Lead stayed
at 3-0 until midway through the 3rd. My memory is a bit faded
but I think they returned a errant pitch back for a TD or it set
them up for a score to take the lead 7-3. I believe because of
the faith he showed in us no one panicked and we took the game
by the throat scoring TDs on consecutive long time consuming
drives to win 17-7 snapping their streak and putting the rest of
the PCL on notice that we would be a force to be reckoned with
for the remainder of the year. (The game may have ended 10-7
with us driving down the length of the field to run out the
clock, really can not remember.) We were so happy for him and
his coaching staff that we got them a big win.
Lastly I will always remember Coach Knowles for his desire to see his
players play on the next level if possible. He really advocated
for his players to colleges and made all kinds of contacts for
his players back in a day and age that was not nearly as
seamless as it is today. I really appreciated Coach Knowles
advocating for me and my teammates. Several of us ended up
coming out to University of Wisconsin-Superior in Superior,
Wisconsin, which for me was the decision that led to me having a
very blessed life today.
Thank you, Coach Knowles!
-- Kevin J. Szczyrbak
Bishop Egan Class of 1989
10/7/13
For Kevin Kelly and Al
Burba, members of Neumann's 1983 Catholic South football champs
. . .
Kevin Kelly was a fullback and a major part of the reason why Lenny
Nelson was an All-Everything running back. Kevin would knock
anyone on their butt and started that year by pounding a few Fr.
Judge linebackers at Beach Bowl II. He was a 2nd team
All-Catholic selection in 1983. He died suddenly on January 2nd.
Al Burba was a defensive back and his work ethic was legendary. I
distinctly remember Al practicing with a 102-degree fever one
day. Why? because he wanted to kick the heck out of O'Hara that
week. He died suddenly today.
The 1983 team was very unique. We got to play at the Vet twice, once when
we beat St. James in the playoffs and once when we beat Southern
HS in the 50th Anniversary game. The team we played in our first
game and beat ended up beating us in our last game that year...
for the Catholic League Championship.
Last May, our 1983 team was inducted into the Neumann-Goretti Hall of
Fame and was the last time we were all together.
Great guys who passed too early and certainly worthy of being recognized
one more time.
Thanks,
Marc Marrone
1/26/15
For Bruce Holloman, Former Football Player at Neumann-Goretti High . . .
For Lari Ketner, Former Basketball Player at Roman Catholic High
Please add Lari Ketner, Roman
Catholic, class of 95. Also SHOF inductee. He passed away in 2014 from colon
cancer. He has 3 children, Tairi Ketner, Carroll, freshman, Touari "Deuce"
Ketner 11, and daughter, Triniti 5. I am his ex-wife and mother of his children.
Just wanted the kids to know that their father was a good player and the city of
Philadelphia and basketball community loved him.
Thank you,
-- Tyshaun Ketner
January 2017
For Peter McVeigh, Former Teacher/Coach/Administrator at Germantown Academy
I am a Bonner guy and have no
connection to GA. But I met Mr. McVeigh once and he made a real impact on me.
It happened to be in the kitchen at St. John's Hospice, where Mr. McVeigh
had brought a van full of GA students to perform service. Watching the way those
kids interacted with the homeless and with the other volunteers, and talking
with Mr. McVeigh about the service program at GA, made me realize that I was in
the presence of a true teacher. He possessed passion and honesty and credibility
and charisma. His idealism and his commitment to his students was palpable. I
remember sending him an email later, and getting a reply. I don't have access to
those emails anymore. I wish I did. I can't think of another person I've ever
met for such a short period of time who made such a lasting impression on me.
-- John Mullen
2/8/2017