Los Banos Rotary Club History
Tiger Football Team Is Honored

The forty-two members of the 1949 Tiger football squad and their coaches were guests of the Rotary Club Tuesday evening at an annual football dinner in which the Lions and 20-30 Clubs also participated. The delicious turkey banquet was served at the grammar school cafeteria.

There were more than 170 in attendance to pay homage to the Joaquin league champions, and to hear an exceptionally fine address by James W. Bradshaw, director of physical education in the Fresno city schools.
Bradshaw, mixing amusing personal experiences with a seasoned perspective of football in general, held the group in rapt attention as he recounted experiences of his own college and professional football days, and compared the attitude and spirit of the yesteryear players with the pampered temperament players of today.

On the serious side, Bradshaw praised the game of football, not only as the most popular school sport, but for what it does for the young men who participate, building physique and stamina, inspiring confidence and poise, and creating the virtues of understanding, good fellowship and sportsmanship.

The members of the Tiger team were personally introduced by Coach Carlyle Loftin, and he paused now and then for an especial word of praise for some of the boys who had contributed to the team's success this year. Addressing the team personally, the expressed his appreciation for their loyal work, adherence to training rules, and the fighting spirit that made them outstanding. With reference to training rules, he particularly complimented them for respecting the "no smoking" rule, saying he realized the self-denial associated with such demand, particularly as smoking was common among their schoolmates and even among their girl friends.

Responding to the enthusiastic compliments paid him by previous speakers, Loftin belittled his own ability with the statement: "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken feathers," and diverted credit for the team's success to the players themselves and the splendid assistance of James Larsen and Sam Benidettino, assistant coaches. The primary requisite of a football player, Loftin said, is "a burning desire to play," and the 1949 team had such a desire.

The twelve graduating members of the team were presented with appropriately engraved miniature gold footballs. The group included Bill Fastenau, Dan Germino, Joe Fialho, Jack Jensen, Vurl Lippencott, Roger Mazzeo, Leon Martin, Joe Orlando, Ralph Peet, Richard Pratt, Joe Silva and Jim Woodman. Miniature footballs were also presented to Lionel Elias and Joe Padilla, lower classmen who will be unable to play with the team next year because of age limitations. The presentation was made by Judge D. Oliver Germino, in his capacity as toastmaster.

Another of the gold footballs was entrusted to team captain Dan Germino and co-captain Richard Pratt, for presentation later to Mrs. Lulu Michelotti, whose tragic death two months ago was the only mar on the team's triumphant season.

Judge Germino, in his opening remarks, paid high tribute to Loftin, declaring he knew of no man in high school coaching under whom he would prefer to entrust the safety and care of his own son. Particularly did he praise Loftin and his assistant coaches for the emphasis they placed on sportsmanship and fine physical condition of the players.

Speaking to the team, Germino complimented them for their sportsmanship, teamwork, willingness to work and accomplishments.

L. J. Spindt, high school principal, expressed appreciation for the public support given the team this year, and commended the school board for their support of school athletics particularly in the purchase of equipment, which Spindt declared to be the best obtainable. He also expressed thanks to the local doctors and to the police department for their support through the season.

First on the speaking program was Mayor John Erreca, who officially congratulated the team on its championship performance, and paid tribute to the coaching staff, and particularly to Coach Loftin.

The high school girls glee club, several selections, which merited hearty rounds of applause.

M. D. Wheat, Rotary Club president, opened the meeting and before turning the program over to the master of ceremonies, intro Wells, entertained the group with under direction of Miss Barbara duced John Torre, Lions Club president, and Manuel Cardoza, 20-30 Club president.

Arrangements for the excellently executed dinner and program were handled by a Rotary Club committee headed by Louis Castellucci.

December 6, 1949

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