PA WILDS: The tourism push known as the “Pennsylvania Wilds” has
a logo featuring a focal point of the campaign – an elk like the
ones in southern Elk County.
One of our readers has suggested that an elk would be an ideal
addition to the Pennsylvania license plate. We agree. Not only
would it be attractive, but it would help draw attention to our
region.
’59 WINNERS: We started yesterday to tell you about Bradford
High’s undefeated football team of 1959. It was then-quarterback
Steve Simon who called to report this is the 45th anniversary of
the team’s extraordinary season.
Other members of the team included Terry Sturm, Walt Bryant,
Kent Schlopy, Jim Colosimo, running back Tommy Duvall (deceased),
Ed Ross, Dan Luciano, Charlie Denning, Bruce Monti, Ed Martini, Lee
Servatius and Dan Tomica.
Duvall was third in the state in scoring in 1959, according to
Simon. And, based on The Era’s report of the Owls victory over
Olean, N.Y., the finale of the season, he must have been one great
football player.
We quote from that “victory” story:
“Ordinarily, you don’t pick out heroes in such a concerted team
effort as was this Bradford victory. But the mantle of greatness,
which has graced the shoulders of Tom Duvall this season, wrapped
itself closer Saturday night. The sensational little Owls halfback
tallied three touchdowns to send his scoring total to 130 points in
nine games – unofficially the scholastic tops in the state and the
all-time mark in Bradford grid history.
“Four other players contributed to the Bradford scoring. Simon
sneaked a TD from one yard out. Terry Sturm captured a Simon pass
on a 13-yard scoring play. Kent Schlopy tallied from two yards out.
Walt Bryant booted four successful placements for extra
points.”
The team was coached by Rock Denning, in his final season as
coach. Charlie Denning was Rock Denning’s son.
Simon adds some details about that victory over the Olean
Huskies: “On the first day of practice Coach Denning had a play for
Olean. “We practiced that play with Jim Colosimo going up the
middle every day.”
And it paid off. In the Olean game, Colosimo scored on a 35-yard
run, according to Simon.
Along with the player named above, The Era story also mentioned
team members Dave Curcio and Dick Lindamer.
