Los Banos Rotary Club History
Banquet Honors Football Squads

Members of the Rotary, Lions and 20-30 Clubs gathered in the grammar school cafeteria Tuesday evening to pay homage to the high school football squads and their coaches at the annual football banquet.

Bob Bronson, head football coach at San Jose State College, who was to be the evening's principal speaker, was called to Los Angeles on business and was unable to be present. His assistant coach, Gene Menges, was to substitute for him but suffered a back injury at the college prior to leaving for Los Banos. He was unable to travel, it was learned.

Judge D. Oliver Germino, who was master of ceremonies, told the group it is not so important for a team to win all of its games. A team which loses a few, he said, will always come back the next week fighting hard and looking better.
Commenting on spectator interest at local and out-of-town football tilts, Germino said he observed there was always a larger turnout of Los Banosans at out-of-town games than fans of the hosting team. He commended the local fans for their interest in the teams.

Deviating slightly from football, Germino told of his school experiences here in track, stating, tongue-in-cheek, that was his favorite sport. Referring to Grammar School Superintendent R. M. Miano, who then directed athletics, Germino said: "I was his pet track star." According to the judge he had tremendous stamina, and was solidly built then, also.

Speaking, briefly High School Principal L. J. Spindt stated he felt the game of football in itself is excellent, but spectators clamouring for their team to win at all costs, and newspapers which inflate a player's ego can do much to ruin the game.

"The game itself is good. It teaches the virtue of give and take," Spindt said.
Referring to Patterson spectators, Spindt said he observed at that game a number of them were using their team to "get that player." Spindt deplored this and said it was something the Los Banos coaching staff will not tolerate among their players.

"You can bet your bottom dollar a local player will end up on the bench if it happens," he said.

In introducing Coach Carlyle Loftin to the audience, Germino paid him high tribute, stating it will be a great loss to the town when he retires from his coach duties.

The coach introduced the varsity squad members, describing their playing qualities and coloring his introductions with individual anecdotes.
Senior varsity players who received miniature gold footballs were Everett Black, Donald Criswell, John Germino, Louie Giampietro, Wallace Goff, James Martin, George Lane, and Arthur Lopez.

B squad members who were given footballs were Henry Alberti and Eddie Gallichio.

Assistant Varsity Coach Sam Benidettino was commended by Loftin for his excellent job as line coach, Loftin commented that the Los Banos team had one of the best lines in the league.

B Coach Doug Pederson introduced the lightweight squad. They had a very successful season, he said, and then commented: "The first three weeks of practice are always devoted to teaching them to put on a football suit."
Mayor John Erreca and Miano also spoke briefly. Prior to the dinner the high school band played selections under the direction of Don Williams. Rotary President Frank Peluso presided over the banquet.

December 19, 1952

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