Los Banos Rotary Club History
Lions Club Banquet Honors High School Basketball Squads

Members of the Los Banos high school varsity and lightweight basketball squads were honored guests at the annual Lions Club basketball banquet held Tuesday evening in the Los Banos Grammar School cafeteria.
Lions President Carlyle Loftin praised the squads for their fine season record, stating that their sportsmanship was a credit to their coaches. He then introduced lightweight coach Bob Williams who presented the members of the B squad.

Williams said that although his team missed winning the southern section league championship to Patterson, he was proud of them, and well pleased that the squad did beat Patterson once during the season. Los Banos defeated Patterson 46 to 39 in the last game of the season, but dropped the playoff game against that team 41 to 38.

Members of the B basketball squad introduced by Williams were Michael Bambauer, Courtney Bluck, Lloyd Brinlee, Floyd Colbert, Raymond Freitas, Don Germino, Don Hansen, Bob Kindred, Charles Miranda, John Nunes, Frank Sabetta, Robert Silva, Frank Soriano and Raymond Talbott, and team managers Clark Colbert and Charles Rafatti.

Varsity squad coach Doug Pederson introduced his team and told briefly of the season's highlights and the team's playing qualities.

Members of the A squad are Pete Ayerza, Bob Baffunno, Frank Borge, Howard Bourquin, Bob Castellucci, Phil Castellucci, John Degregori, Jack Elliott, Joe Gargano, Charles Hawkins, Bill Hughes, Dean Jackson, Santiago Pedroza, John Reno, Oscar Reno, Don Wright, and team manager John Rowe.

Speaking of the Joaquin League championship game with Hughson last Friday night which Los Banos lost 45 to 39, Pederson said his team "did everything asked of them."
He continued, "They're the finest bunch of kids I ever worked with. I sure hate to see the Seniors go."

Loftin presented miniature silver basketballs to senior squad members Pete Ayerza, Bob Baffunno, Howard Bourquin, Bob Castellucci, Phil Castellucci, Jack Elliott, Bill Hughes, and Frank Soriano.

Movies of the A and B squad's game with Newman here were shown following the awards presentation. The films were taken by Paul Simons of the high school faculty.

Serving as master of ceremonies for the evening was Anthony Patricio. Invited guests were Los Banos Rotary club and the Los Banos 20-30 Club.
Musical selections were played by the high school band under the direction of Bob Arnoldi.

March 12, 1954

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