The Blue & White Annual

 

 

Senior Class Annual of the

Hollidaysburg High School

1924

 

A Project of Blair County PA USGenWeb Archives

Copyright April 2002.  Contributed by Judy Banja

 

Part 3 - Athletics

 

  

 

 

Baseball

 

Baseball is not so old a sport in our High School as is basketball and football. In the spring of 1921 under Mr. Carl as coach of Athletics, baseball was much discussed but it was not until the following year that enough enthusiasm was raised to start a team.

 

In the fall of 1921 we were fortunate in securing Coach Craig, a graduate of Penn State, as coach of our athletics. In the spring, upon the call for candidates there was a quick response on the part of our boys and it was not long until our coach was shaping his material into the finished product and telling those who had the spirit that there were nine places on the team that must be filled. To make the positions more desirable twelve new white uniforms were purchased to make the team the first uniformed baseball team in the history of the school.

 

The 1921-22 season's team was a success and gave us a solid foundation. Beginning the past season we had in addition to the regulars, other good material from which to develop players. Our pitching department was looked after by Curran, "Dutch" Davis, and "Lefty" Banholzer, while our regular receiver was "Bill" Wogan. Our infield was hard to beat for amateurs. First Sacker Hartsock was one of those players who liked to stop "hard ones," although if he failed in an attempt he went after the next one the harder. Second Baseman Hughes and Shortstop King worked in harmony around the second base in true Collins and Barry style. Captain Bromley worked on the hot corner, his motto was, "The Harder the better." Left field was worked by either Sommer or Dell while Anderson was our starry center-fielder. Rightfielder Soyster while not busy making a "put-out" was thinking where he was going to place the next hit for a "sure one." These were the regulars although there were others who played in one game or in a part of a game.

 

During the 1923 season Hollidaysburg was a member of the Blair County High School League. Other teams enrolled were: Altoona, Juniata, Martinsburg, Roaring Spring and Williamsburg. We did not win the cup although we considered it a successful season because it takes "more grit" to be a good loser.

 

We were defeated in the first game but that defeat only urged us on the more to victory. Thinking of the past season we think of the glorious victory over our local rival Altoona High. Our team working behind Davis triumphed over the strong Altoona team with Burket pitching, to the tune of 11-2. Although this game was the only one lost by Altoona in the High League it was a slaughter. Altoona High was astounded as was shown by the fact that the results of the game were not even published in the sport section of the Altoona Papers. The most freakish game we played was at Roaring Spring. Our team was leading 8-3 until the latter half of the seventh inning. After the dust had cleared away and when the score keepers had compared their score books to get the real score it was agreed by both that the score was 14-8, Roaring Spring having tallied eleven runs in that inning. Other wins recorded by our team were over Roaring Spring, Martinsburg (2). Our last game of the season was played with the strong Tyrone High School Nine at Tyrone. We lost by a close score thus bringing the season to a successful close.

 

Forgetting the past and looking into the future we see the dawn of success. The greatest baseball team that Hollidaysburg ever had is our aim for the season of '24.

 

 

 

 

Football

 

It was in the early part of September when a call was issued for football candidates. Coach W. R. Craig called a meeting in the High School Auditorium and possibly fifty husky men responded to the call. Two evenings later the squad could be seen at Dysart Park, with each candidate giving his best to make the varsity. Practice went on diligently and the ranks rapidly thinned until only about one half the number that reported at first were fighting for the first team. The opening game was at hand and the Coach's pick was Captain Bromely and Joe King at the half-back positions; Hughes, Quarterback; Curran, Fullback; Banholzer was Center; Harry King and Red Howsare at ends. Davis and Hoover at Tackle; Moore and Soyster in the Guard positions. This season the team adopted plain blue jerseys and stockings, and the change made an improved appearance.

 

The men who started the first game did not have their positions cinched, as they were the Scrubs who were fighting every minute for their chance at a letter.

 

The season was well under way and it seemed that Hollidaysburg was to have a Banner Year in High School Football. Games were scheduled with the best High Schools in Central Pennsylvania, including Altoona, Johnstown, Winber, Conemaugh. and State College High.

 

Hughes, J. King and Bromley proved to be the big scorers as the season progressed, but the work of the line proved a big factor in the many victories.

 

Although all of the games were not won, the team entered each game with the right spirit and a grim determination to give their best every moment they were in action. Although Davis and Hughes were required near the end of the season, every other man plugged away and gained honors that will stand in the history of the Hollidaysburg High School.

 

Following is a list of players, their position, and the results of the games:

 

Quarter-back

Hughes

 

Full-back

Curran

Onkst

 

Half-back

Bromley

J. King

Sandrus

Walsh

 

Ends

Howsare

H. King

J. Curran

Sandrus

Walker

 

Guards

Moore

Soyster

Delozier

Reiser

 

Tackles

Davis

Hoover

Heverly

Keller

Center

Banholzer

Pope

 

Hollidaysburg Hi	39		Mt. Union	0
Hollidaysburg Hi	47		Juniata	0
Hollidaysburg Hi	0		Conemaugh	14
Hollidaysburg Hi	0		Altoona	7
Hollidaysburg Hi	49		Roaring Spring	3
Hollidaysburg Hi	6		Penn State	9
Hollidaysburg Hi	0		Winber	25
Hollidaysburg Hi	0		Johnstown	59

 

New York has its Colonel Rupper; Pittsburg has its Barrey D. Dreyfuss; but Hollidaysburg High School has two magnates who mean more to her than the aforementioned do to their respective teams. These persons; namely, Walter Leedom, our druggist, also President of the Board of Education, and Dr. Preston have rendered our school athletics immeasurable assistance gratis during the past year. No football game could have been played without "Doc" there to administer to the bruises, breaks and sprains of any unfortunate member of the team. Helpful, faithful and loyal was he, and at all times ready to give medical aid and time to us when needed. No less can he said of our other friend and sponsor "Walter."  He was an advisor to us all, ready always to go our bond when the team was in financial straits, and a true loyal backer in all that was good and clean in athletics. To these men we owe much, and though we give little in remunerative way, we extend to them our heartiest thanks and real friendship for the service they have rendered us. - "The Boys"

 

 

 

 

Basketball Team

 

	No. Games	Field Gls.	Foul Gls.	Total	P.F.
Harry Hughes	22	86	54	126	37
Joe King	22	71	60	202	24
Harry King	14	9	4	25	10
Edward Soyster	22	72	23	167	27
Glenn Rodkey	22	1	9	11	45
Joe Banholzer	21	12	9	33	31
John Robeson	10	0	0	0	3
Frank Moore	4	0	0	0	2

 

Basketball

 

Due to the fact that the new "Y" gym was still under construction our Blair County Champions of '22 and '23 were late in getting started for the season of 1923-24. Regardless of this, however, the team practiced on Calvin's outdoor court. Coach Wilbur R. Craig had as a nucleus for the Blue and White quintet - Hughes, J. King, Soyster, Rodkey and Banholzer from last year's champions, and H. King, Robeson and Moore as beginners, who have rapidly rounded themselves into shape so as to fit neatly into the personnel of a fine team.

 

The H. H. S. season opened on December 21 with the Blue and Whit quintet playing the first game in the Mountain High League at Houtzdale. The team played good ball although hampered by the lack of practice. We came home however on the short end of a 37-18 score.

 

The following Friday, we opened our home season on the new "Y" gym. The varsity baptizing the new hall with a 36-15 victory over Juinata.

 

Not satisfied with this victory the outfit again took Juinata into camp to the tune of 38-9 at St. Lukes on the 5th of January. Much credit is due to the fine guarding of Rodkey and Capt. Banholzer who held the Juinata quintet without a field goal.

 

On the eleventh of January we beat Phillipsburg 35-24. This was one of our best games thus far. We now began to think seriously concerning our pennant hopes.

 

Following dismissal on Friday the eighteenth, the student body paraded down to the "Y" and saw the Blue and White varsity trim Mt. Union 44-22.

 

We took a bitter dose of medicine when Altoona beat us 25-24 at the Armory on the 19th of January. This was a very exciting game throughout. It, in all respects, resembled the game the year previous when we beat them 26-25 at St. Lukes.

 

On January 22nd we tackled Johnstown at the "Y." Though they beat us 33-27, we were glorious in defeat. The light varsity of the H. H. S. certainly showed its grit and pluck against the Flood City giants.

 

Though we beat Lewistown High on their own floor 25-16, they certainly treated us fine. We were the guests of honor at a big party and "oh! boy" those wonderful girls - just ask "Goldberg" about "Sheba of Marble Alley."

 

Captain "Banny" led his warriors to victory over the Conemaugh High on the twenty-ninth of January at the Iron Horse Town. After the smoke cleared away the score was found to be 35-28. An unseen hand must have played a part because "Crib" certainly ran wild in scoring.

 

Bellefonte or bust!

 

We came back broke but we surely did "clean" them 37-8. "Goldberg" and "Banny" had a hand in it again - allowing only one field goal to the Governor city lads.

 

Got home in time on Saturday February 2nd to beat Lewistown 30-28. We had a big party out at Rodkey's in honor of the Lewistown Squad, - one glorious time.

 

Revenge is sweet ! !

 

On Tuesday, February 5th it was our privilege as well as our joy to defeat the Altoona High School warriors at the "Y." Every man played invincible ball. We won the old ball game 29-26.

 

With all odds against us we came out victorious at Mt. Union. The final score being 21-17 in favor of the Blue and White.

 

On the twelfth of February the fighting basketeers of the H. H. S. threw terror into the husky Johnstown High quintet at Johnstown. "Crib" and "Little Joe King" could not be stopped until the final minutes of the game and then the Johnnies were able to surge ahead and win the game by the score of 40-35. Closest score Johnstown had witnessed on their own floor.

 

We beat Bellefonte 42-18 in the new "Y" gym on the 15th of February. This game brought our pennant hopes still closer.

 

Clearfield, which later turned out to be the Champions of the Northwestern Mountain League beat us 48-28. This was the worst defeat handed us in over a period of five years.

 

With the H. H. S. running on top form, we beat Tyrone at the Central City 25-16. The "old fight" could not be beaten, nor could the "never die" spirit be broken in this terrible battle. Our guards were able to quench the fire of Captain "Heinie" Stewart while the dependable trio; Hughes, J. King and Soyster were running up points.

 

Ferndale, a medicore team beat us 39-26 at that place on a floor that would have fit into any of our hallways in the school building.

 

Our Mountain League hopes were give quite a jolt when Tyrone evened the series between the two clubs by beating us 23-19 at the "Y" on the 29th of February.

 

March 4th, New "Y" Gym  Houtzdale vs Hollidaysburg

 

We defeated the. highly touted league leaders 44-24 before the largest crowd of the present season. "Uky" Soyster the one Junior bet on the varsity came within two points of winning the old game himself. The big center scored eleven field goals and one foul for a total of twenty-three points.

 

EXTRA - EXTRA - EXTRA

Hollidaysburg 27 - Phillipsburg 25

 

Championship of the Mountain High League was brought to a tie between Hollidaysburg and Houtzdale when the Blue and White varsity under the directorship of Coach Craig defeated the Phillipsburg High at the rnoutain town on the seventh of March by the score of 27 to 25.

 

The H. H. S. led the first half 20-8. Phillipsburg threw a scare into the locals by holding their favorites to seven points the last half and finally taking the second half 17-7. But, when the smoke had cleared away the score was found to be 27-25 in favor of the Burgers.

 

The locals were defeated at Tyrone on the 12th of March in the first round of the P. I. A. A. eliminations for the championship of district number six.

 

This defeat was handed us by our dearly beloved enemies from Altoona. With the H. H. S. playing away below form and the A. H. S. machine running better than it really knew how, we were beaten 41-18

 

As our friendly rivals from Altoona describe it:

BURG HIGH TAKES PENNANT IN MOUNTAIN HI CAGE PLAY

 

Hollidaysburg High School, boasting of the best basketball quintet of all times, holds the handsome trophy cup and championship in the Mountain High School Basketball league, the cup being captured Friday, March 21, when the Blair County entry scored a decisive win over the Houtzdale High five on a neutral floor.

 

The two teams, deadlocked in the Mountain league, met on the Juinata College floor, Huntington, and both towns sent a large delegation of rooters to make things lively. Huntington greeted the rivals in real style and before the game both visiting delegates could see nothing but a victory.

 

On the floor Hollidaysburg quickly showed its superiority and the Burgers won the game with ease, ending the play 29-19. The Coach Wilbur Craig passers played a careful game, going to an early lead, holding the margin at all times.

 

HOW OUR BASKET BALL TEAM SPENDS THEIR TIME IN THE HOTEL WHEN ON TRIPS

 

Friday, March 3

Dear Madam:

I am in the dark as what to say as Mr. Craig just turned out the lights.

Mr. Robeson is milking the cows behind the bed corral and he is making a lot of noise, and chocolate milks. (And so is the Cow.)

I passed the Potter House and it was still standing, although I believe it wants to sit awhile.

Mind you the train we came up on had an engine to pull the Coaches. Johnny is now singing, "Yes we have no Bananas."

Frank Moore has been riding the elevator for two hours and now he is seasick.

Mr. Craig is making fudge in leis room. Irv Davis is talking to the telephone operator, telling her all the positions he holds.

Joe King is reading the "True Story," because he believes in it.

Bub is trying on a new nightie and Goldberg is trying to sell the chambermaid the holes in his socks.

Crib is making love to himself, and I hear him trying to get Sommer's on the phone.

Soyster is lying on the funny paper to make himself funny.

Banny is snoozing now, that is, he is sleeping with one eye open.

Our Mascot, Walter Leedom, tried to sell pink pills for pale people, but the people were next to him.

Pray, we have just returned from the battle with a victory to our list. The day was wonderful and ended successfully, so that we can now all go to bed and rest. Amen.

Peace has come to us at last, and with the day yet to end, we shall rest, or rather be lulled to sleep, while the King Family sings "In Union There is Strength."

As always, GLAD U. CUM

 

Hollidaysburg High School Basket-Ball Schedule

1924

 

			Score
			H.H.S.	Opp.
Dec. 21, 1923	Houtzdale	(A)	18	37
Dec. 28, 1923	Juniata	(H)	36	15
Jan. 5, 1924	Juniata	(A)	38	9
Jan. 11, 1924	Philipsburg	(H)	35	24
Jan. 18, 1924	Mt. Union	(H)	44	22
Jan. 19, 1924	Altoona	(A)	24	25
Jan. 22, 1924	Johnstown	(H)	27	33
Jan. 26, 1924	Lewistown	(A)	25	16
Jan. 29, 1924	Conemaugh	(A)	35	28
Feb. 1, 1924	Bellefonte	(A)	37	8
Feb. 2, 1924	Lewistown	(H)	30	28
Feb. 5, 1924	Altoona	(H)	29	26
Feb. 8, 1924	Mt. Union	(A)	21	17
Feb. 12, 1924	Johnstown	(A)	35	40
Feb. 15, 1924	Bellefonte	(H)	42	18
Feb. 16, 1924	Clearfield	(A)	28	48
Feb. 22, 1924	Tyrone	(H)	25	16
Feb. 25, 1924	Ferndale	(A)	26	39
Feb. 29, 1924	Tyrone	(H)	19	23
Mar. 4, 1924	Houtzdale	(H)	44	24
Mar. 7, 1924	Philipsburg	(A)	27	25
Mar. 12, 1924	Altoona (Tyrone)	(A)	18	41
Mar. 21, 1924	Houtzdale at Huntingdon	(A)	28	19

 

1924 Blue & White Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4