It is in the Autumn, Friday, October 8, 1976, and it's the Limestone Tigers @ Hinsdale Bobcats! This showdown takes place under bright stadium lights. There is very much excitement and anticipation in the atmosphere. Both teams are 2-0 this season. The stands are packed with fans and spectators. The media is reporting that as many as 3,000 people are on hand. Both the Tigers and Bobcats are doing warm-ups. In this moment, as a player, this contest is the most important thing in the whole World, nothing else matters. You keep thinking, victory, victory. You can feel a warm autumn breeze whistling through the ear holes of your helmet. You smell fresh lime which marks the field, and the resin-like balm applied on some of the players. Just before dusk, you glimpse the beautifully adorned hills, cascading multi-colored autumn leaves, as the setting Sun fades.It is then you are aware of the shawdows on the ground from the lights. You hear a pep rally in build-up mode, approaching a state of frenzy- because the Limestone Tiger Cheerleaders have arrived and are letting the whole World know the Tigers are in town- filling the air with Tiger chants and melodic Tiger cheers. You are so fired-up, you don't even notice the huge butterflys in your stomach. WHDL radio is broadcasting the game live. The pre-game program predicted an easy Bobcat victory. There has been lead stories about this match in the Olean Times Herald all week, each pointing to the demise of the little Tiger, and a big Bobcat 17th win. Hinsdale has won 16 games in a row before this bruising battle, and college football scouts are also present to prospect the Bobcats, whose win streak has attracted even the attention of Buffalo television stations- who've begun tracking their success. However, this is a special night of magic for Limestone, and it is the game of a lifetime. Some of the shining stars in the sky this night that bring the roaring Tiger to life are named; Coach Steve Skavarka, Assistant Coach Frank Harrington; Limestone Tiger Cheerleaders,fullback Kevin Wentworth (244 yards rushing), John Oleska, Rick Wallin, Barry Burkett, Alan Milks, Donald Fargo, Andy Campbell, Cary Mills, Terry Hatch, Dennis Thiel, Joe Wedge,John Wentworth, Matt Abrams,Ron White, Gary Heimbach, Al Cochran,Rich Fair, Mike Fair,Chris Benjamin,Landon Work, Al Blum, Dennis Maley, Joe Maley, Tom Rounsville, Dan O'neil, Mark Peterson;- our teammates who've since passed away; the late Mark Hodgson; the late Jim O'Neil; the late Jeff Kessel- We love you guys, and you will never be forgotten;lastly, a special star twinkles this night for all who come from Limestone to cheer, and to witness, what is perhaps the biggest upset ever, in the areana of Western New York sports. It can be said, the warm Autumn breeze became the breath of the Tiger in October, 1976. The Limestone Tiger has since passed into history,- but its spirit lives on! In reminding us all, that where the humility, friendship and love thrive, all things good become possible. Just like on this night , when a humble union free school becomes so completely victorious (32-6) despite considerable odds. The background mp3 is called "In the Autumn", the Limestone song. A special thank you to cameraman and Tiger alumnus, Alan Barrile, who documented for all-time, these treasured moments in professional fashion - and to Coach Steve Skavarka who preserved it. This presentation is respectfully dedicated to all people who ever attended Limestone Union Free School, which opened in 1936 and so unwittingly, closed its doors in 1995. Love, friendship and memories, live forever in 'Past Echoes' ....
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E Limestone Highlights 1.wmvby roblenoir791 views
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