ATHLETIC NEWSLETTER
NOV. 10, 1969
Dear Friends of Linfield Athletics:
We were very optimistic here at Linfield upon the writing of the first newsletter back in September and now have reason for new hopes. The building program, which is going on down below us right now, is hopefully drawing to a close, the football Wildcats are back in a familiar spot – first place – and Ted Wilson’s hoopsters have begun a new season with practice, Nov. 1. Since losing the season opener to Portland State, 26-21, Ad Rutschman’s ‘Cats have taken five of their past six games and are riding a three-game winning streak going into this weekend’s College of Idaho tilt. The Wildcats need only to take the game in Caldwell to cinch at least a tie for the conference title. Rutschman came through with another thriller, Saturday, as his troops reared back from a 17-7 halftime deficit to squeak by Willamette 20-17. Linfield’s only league loss has come at the hands of Pacific Lutheran, 27-21, in a game in which the Lutes denied Linfield in a brave last ditch come back attempt. Other Northwest Conference victories include a 15-3 decision over Pacific, 17-7 over Whitman and 14-0 over Lewis and Clark. As you can see, the games have all been closed with the ultimate decision virtually hanging to the last seconds in some.It cannot be denied that Ad had produced another fine football team in his second year at Linfield. The Wildcats have been getting their share of publicity out of the season also. OF note was an article in the Sunday Oregonian (Nov. 2) on Linfield’s tough defense. Many thanks go to Chuck Humble, student sports information director, and Tim Marsh, who held the job last year and is assisting Chuck. The have both had a busy fall with the football brochure, game programs and a million other details that crop up from time to time in covering Linfield football. We’ve received excellent publicity in the local newspapers (Salem) and even in some others, further away. A clipping of a story written by Kenn Hess, Sports Editor, of the Coos Bay World, filtered across my desk a few weeks back. Also, articles have appeared to our knowledge in the Milwaukie Review, McMinnville News-Register, and North Bend Sun and News besides our regular news outlets. For the first time in Linfield sports history, radio KMCM is broadcasting all home and away football games. Dick Bacon, local businessman, and Frank Molek, Linfield grad and former student body president, are handling the coverage for KMCM. Dick has already left for the Hawaii game as he is combining both business and pleasure on this one!
A rather hectic few days face Ad and his Wildcats. The make their two longest trips of the season on back-to-back weekends. Following the trip to Caldwell, from which they arrive back on Sunday afternoon, they leave again Wednesday morning from Portland International Airport via Northwest Orient Airlines for Honolulu. Some of you may be making this trip with the team and we wish to extend out hopes for both a good game and a pleasurable vacation. Local travel agent, Peter VanLeerdam, is handling the tour and will accompany the team and fans. He is also in charge of basketball trip to Honolulu in January and anyone interested in going with the team at that time could make arrangements through The Travel Bureau (503) 472-5127 in McMinnville. Peter has done an outstanding job in helping get Wildcat teams where they have wanted to go and was a major factor in helping the Wildcat basketball team log over 6,000 miles last winter mainly on trips to Alaska and Kansas City.
Several of the alums in Hawaii are anxiously awaiting our visit there. I wrote to Kenny Ling, who is working for Palama Settlement in Honolulu. Kenny and the rest of them are anxiously awaiting the football team and we are looking forward to a very happy time with members of the party. We have a luau planned for that Sunday night and he has a lot to do with getting it together. Kenny in past years has been a great deal of help to our football team in transporting the team to different places and making arrangements for different functions in the Islands. It will be nice seeing him again.
Following his three-day tournament, Ted Wilson has begun formal practices. Ted has nine letterman returning and four of those are starters. We are looking forward to another outstanding season in which the ‘Cats will be seeking to repeat as Northwest Conference champions for the sixth time. The conference has cut its schedule from 18 games to 12 this year giving us many more non-conference games. Therefore, Ted has put together an outstanding schedule which includes such outstanding teams as Central Washington. Last year, CWSC finished third in the NAIA tournament after Linfield had split wit them on the regular season. Other top opponents include Humboldt State, Portland State, the University of Hawaii and St. Martin’s College. Returnees to Wilson’s squad include all-conference choices Dan Beeson, Gary Donnell, and Pat Smithey. Other lettermen are Keith Shriver, Bobby James, Jim Sims, Ross Peterson, Terry Miller, and John Venemon. Ted kicks off his season with the annual tip-off tournament being held at Willamette and Lewis and Clark, Dec. 4-6.
Anyone who happens to pick up a Converse Basketball Book may notice the team picture of Linfield’s 24-4 past season on page 19. The ‘Cats are also listed among teams in the nation with the fewest losses.
The Cross-Country team coached by Hal Smith is winless, meet-wise, but finished sixth in the Northwest Conference meet held last week in Salem. Top performers for the Wildcats are freshman Jim Williams from Albany, Jerry DeVore from San Leandro, along with lettermen Mike Westfall and Tim Marsh. Newcomers who have helped Hal’s team include Jim H. Rich, Dan O’Brien and Bob Bogardus. Westfall, after breaking his finger, has been forced to run in several meets with a cast. He is also a top performer on the Wildcat track team in the spring.
Speaking of track, Keith Shriver finished fifth in the NAIA Tournament in the 200 yard dash. The meet was held in Billings, Montana on its all-weather track. Keith’s points allowed the ‘Cats to tie for 46th in team standings. He is also a basketball letterman and has high hopes for another outstanding track campaign.
Dave Kernan, swimming coach, has been organizing his team for the winter season. The team will again use the McMinnville Municipal Pool for its practice sessions and home meets. Men turning out for the team include: Ken Roberts, William Brenner, Edward Bird, Glen Shepard, Dennis Wiley, Shawn Fisher, Emerson Wood, Kim Vannatter and Dale Croy. Women turning out are Billie Marsh, Connie Hermen, Jan Beesley, Sheryl Bartel, Angie Chinn, Nancy Schonfeld, Heidi Harrison, Anita Hunt and Kathy Howard.
About the construction of the new student center in Riley Hall which has directly affected us, it is expected now to be completed about the first of January and reading for the students to use when the second semester begins in the middle of January. Already, the book store has moved to where out old offices were. Bookstore manager John Dillin has found the new smaller space causing him some problems but has made the move with a minimum of difficulty and inconvenience. The trophy case which was removed with the moving of the post office across the hall will be rebuilt, (and is nearly complete now) on the wall straight ahead as you enter Riley. It will be a little smaller that the old one but will provide a nice place of attention for our athletic awards. The rest of the student center is just beginning. The large patio on the west side of the building has been done for some time, but delays in wiring and heating equipment have caused the postponement of completion time.
Speaking of new things, the new baseball diamond is looking very good. Both the infield and outfields have been planted and the hope now is that winter rains do not cause a serious settling of the areas which contain the drainage tiles. I plan to play all our varsity games there this season if it comes along satisfactorily.
On behalf of gifts, our heart-felt things go to the Autzen Foundation of Portland for its $3000 grant to purchase a universal gym. The equipment will make a great contribution to our physical education program and physical fitness area.
From the mail we hear that Dave Lum, Linfield alum, is the new co-owner of Toyota of Astoria and recently he and two other partners held their grand opening.
Tom Caspell, private first class United States Army, has been awarded the bronze Star Medal for heroism not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. While under heavy enemy fire, he gave aid to the medical team with treatment of the wounded and aided the evacuation operation until he was seriously wounded. His courageous professionalism and selfless concern for his comrades and instrumental in saving soldiers’ lives.
Terry Picknell, class of ’59, is at home recovering from an operation to remove some growths. The major surgery was done at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, but it has helped Terry to expect to return to a normal life. He is expected to be fully recovered in about a year’s time. He would like to hear from friends and you may write to 224 Raymond Road, North Bend, Oregon. Terry was an All-Conference tackle under Paul Durham in ’57-’58 and graduated in business administration and has worked for Pape Bros. Implement Co. in Eugene, Coos Bay and North Bend.
Russ and Bonnie Hollinshead from Bend, a couple of alums from a few years back, stopped by after the PLU game. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in, but they left a card saying they saw a real great ball game.
George Murdock, former sports information director and good buddy of the athletic department, has been named vice-principal at W.F. West High School. He joined the Boosters Club and said his new school has topped the 800 student mark and is busy on a million dollar building program. He has bought a home about four miles south of Chehalis. His new address is Rt. 5, Box 564, Chehalis, Washington 98532.
My old coach Henry Lever, who is now 85 years old, dropped a line the other day. He is one of the great people I have ever met in my lifetime, and I will always remember him. I always remember what he did for me and other people like myself. If it hadn’t been for Coach Lever, I would never be here today. He was reminiscing in a littler about going to Dr. Riley, who was president at Linfield when Coach Lever first came here. He asked for a little tuition help for the athletes which up to that time only students studying for the ministry and were from strong Baptist families were receiving. As his entering argument, he said, “It is harmful to players and to student morale to always lose.” He mentions also that his was probably the entering wedge toward getting some aid for the athletes here at Linfield. Lever now employs seven people at the Henry Lever Real Estate Agency in Madras. Here is another quote from his letter: “I will be 85 next Saturday. I feel the same as many years ago, but will probably collapse when taking a wind sprint some day, and that will be alright also, for my life has been enriched by the wonderful men whose path’s crossed mine in their youth, and have gone ahead and done a wonderful job in life.” Some of you old timers might drop him a card—he’ll be thrilled to hear from you. You can reach him by sending a letter or card to the Henry Lever Agency, P.O. Box 89, Madras, Oregon 9741.
Sp. 4 John Hart dropped a card from Vietnam where he is stationed at 8th Field Hospital in Nha Trang. It is a seacoast town along the central portion of Vietnam. He says the area is relatively pleasant and secure compared to the rest of Vietnam. The only get mortar and rocket attacks once in a while. He says their biggest worry is the “Sapper” attacks in which the VC try to blow up the hospital with satchel charges. John’s address is Sp. 4 John Hart …98th Med. Det. (k.o.), A.P.O. 96240.
Bob Dungan says he’s now at Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Washington as the principal. Bob isn’t a Linfield man but has always been a Booster for the Wildcats.
Before I forget, a couple of “Thank Yours” to Louie King, who flew in from Michigan, and the Robert Harrisons from Alhambra, California, along with many, man others both near and far, who game to McMinnville for the Linfield-PLU Homecoming football game.
Any friends you have who wish to be on our Athletic Department Newsletter mailing list can do so by notifying the athletic department.
Keep smiling.
Best wishes,
(Signature)
Roy Helser
Athletic Director
RH/gt
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