Los Banos Rotary Club History
Rewards, Values Of Athletics Are Stressed At Banquet

"You can't say that average performance is all right. You must think in terms of the maximum."

So said Dr. James H. Corson, superintendent of Modesto City Schools, who keynoted the lifelong benefits of sportsmanship in an address before the annual Rotary Club football banquet here Tuesday night.
Speaking before several hundred persons in the Los Banos Grammar School cafeteria, Dr. Corson referred to the old adage of "practice makes perfect" and said it is far from true. "Analyze your game, your work and correct your mistakes."

The speaker broke down the word athletics, letter by letter, in terms of the lessons and rewards it can mean to the young football player.
Such words as aggressiveness, ambition, and ability were laced into his talk as he went from the first letter of the word, A, to the last S.
"I've been a stickler on training since my youth," the speaker emphasized. "The pathway of the athletic field is strewn with has-beens who forgot that training is all-important."

In part he said, the letter T could stand for the word teamwork and the appreciation of its value. The all-around player, the boy who can be called upon to play any position, is important "since the team needs him in a pinch."
Dr. Corson stressed the importance of enduring interest in athletics and intelligence that gives a young player the desire to continue his education after high school.

"Look ahead. The biggest sap in the world is the fellow who alarms the door in his own face."

He stated youth must make the decision between accepting the immediate benefits of employment after graduation from high school or facing the challenge of the intangible rewards of college education.
"But you must make the choice," Dr. Corson said.

Sportsmanship and sincerity were other qualities the speaker elaborated. "What you are inside comes out. You either extend a helping hand or you selfishly go on your own way."

Dr. Corson was introduced by Judge D. Oliver Germino, the master of ceremonies. Dr. Corson was a member of the 1920 U.S. Olympic field and track team, and also played football at the College of Pacific and Modesto Junior College.

The presidents of the Lions and 20-30 Clubs and the Junior Chamber of Commerce were introduced and each spoke briefly.

Carlyle Loftin, Los Banos High School principal, spoke and lauded the football players who refused to give up in the face of overwhelming odds during the season.

"The boys who stuck it out are the kind we want in our community as leaders."
Varsity Coach Gilbert Mendonsa introduced the 12 senior players and briefly reviewed the past season.

"I'm very proud of the boys. What they lacked in record they made up in desire."

He cited the Livingston game in which the Tigers trailed 19-0 at halftime and later fought to narrow the margin to a final score of 19-14.

Mendonsa defended his action in cancelling two football games when the locals were plagued with injuries and sickness. He told of a player coming to him and saying he had been criticized by an adult fan who charged that the Tigers should have played their schedule regardless of injured players.
The coach said, "No football game is worth jeopardizing the safety of boys. Most teams who lose five of their varsity men would have quit, but Los Banos stuck it out and we are very proud of them."

Senior players introduced by their coach and who later received miniature gold footballs from Rotary President Frank Merrick were Sam Ashley, Richard Baeta, Garland Bretz, Bob Cook, Jim Fagundes, Dominic Pugliese, Neal Zinn, Ray Talbott, Santiago Pedroza, Don Hansen, Pete Franco and Dean Jackson.

"Player of the Year" award, a plaque and trophy presented by Joe Cardoza, local jeweler, went to Don Hansen, who was lauded by his coach as one of the most outstanding halfbacks in California. The perpetual plaque, engraved with Hansen's name, will be displayed in the high school.

Verne Freitas, president of the Los Banos Junior Chamber of Commerce, presented "Player of The Week" trophies to outstanding athletes named by the Jaycees. They were Santiago Pedroza, Sam Ashley, Bob Cook, Ray Talbott, Don Germino, John Nunes and Don Hansen.
Randal Fawcett was general chairman of the banquet.

December 9, 1955

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