Los Banos Rotary Club History
Gustine Rotarians To Be Guest Here

High Goals Are Stressed By Speaker At Basketball Dinner
"Don't sell yourself short – always go for the top," advised Fresno State College basketball coach Bill Vandenburgh in an address to members of the Los Banos High School basketball squads here Tuesday night at the Lions Club annual banquet.

Speaking before the A.B.C. and D teams, all of whom won their respective Southern Joaquin League championships, Vandenburgh lauded the squads for their fine records which were the result, he said, of team work and desire.
The FSC coach said these attributes are essential to success in sports, adding "the difference between good and great is just a little more desire."
He said to produce a championship team players who are on the top must help those who are just starting out and may not have their potential skills developed.

Vandenburgh traced the development of basketball, pointing out it was first played in the 1800's primarily as a game of relaxation for businessmen. Today, he explained, it is played in eastern states in gymnasiums having seating capacities of 22,000. Eastern towns start developing basketball players in grammar school, keeping running records on them until they reach college level.

Pointing to the tremendous size of basketball stars today, the speaker said in 1940 a center 5 feet nine inches tall stood a good chance of making the first string team.Now, however, there is a player whose hands held upright come within four inches of the basket.

Vandenburgh touched briefly on changes in the game's rules and said the 24 second rule, requiring a shot within that time, has speeded up the game and made it more exciting.

He spoke on his "pet gripe -- referees," but hastened to explain that referees never lose the game." He called for standardization of regulation interpretations, pointing out they differ in sections of the state.

Vandenburgh was introduced by Lon Simons, Fresno sportscaster. Also speaking briefly was Carlyle Loftin, high school superintendent, who said "I'm proud of the four champion teams" and complimented the coaching staffs.
The coaching staff - Ray Hobbs, Tom Wallace and Doug Pederson -- were introduced. In a unique change of procedure the players were introduced by delegates from each squad -- Donald (Peanuts) Colbert, Joe Sabetta, Dick Wattenbarger and Bill Martin.

Gold basketballs were presented to graduating seniors Bob Vogt, Bob Kindred, Frank Silveria, David Affonso, Bill Martin, Bob Silva, Don Germino, Bob Carey, Dick Wattenbarger and Jack Orr.

Joe C. Cardoza was the dinner chairman, assisted by Louis (G. G.) Toscano and Tony Tieso, Cardoza introduced Simons, Vic Grassini, Lions Vice president, opened the meeting, and introduced the presidents and representatives of other service organizations invited to the dinner. They were Otto Zentner, Rotary president; Bob Williams, Junior Chamber of Commerce; and Bud Smith, 20-30 Club.

March 22, 1957

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