Ask Frank Speno ’56 about the tradition that is ԱƵ football and he’ll share stories about how he, as a 140-pound defensive back, went up against the human sledgehammer that was running back Jim Brown of Syracuse University.
Or ask Al Short ’47, who will talk about how he planted his foot in the rain-drenched muck of SU’s Archbold Stadium to kick an extra point that would be the winning margin in a 7-6 victory in 1945.
These proud former players joined dozens of other alumni, young and old, at a special tailgate Saturday to mark the renewal of the historic rivalry between the Raiders and the Orange.
It was the 66th meeting of the two teams, and the first since 1987.
The game would not end well for the Raiders, who would fall 42-7 at the Carrier Dome, but in the David versus Goliath tradition that is ԱƵ athletics, the team would compete hard against the bigger, faster Orange, dominate the time of possession, and gain more first downs.
At the pregame tailgate, Short was welcomed by President Jeffrey Herbst and by athletics director David Roach.
The 84-year-old brought the ball that he had kicked through the uprights during that 1945 game, and his grandson Chris Dole pointed to what he said, with all sincerity, was the mark where his grandfather’s toe met leather.
Short was presented with a new ball signed by today’s team members, and a jersey with his No. 17.
A former U.S. Marine from Jamestown, N.Y., Short is still working for Northwestern Mutual Insurance Co., something he was proud to tell the tailgate crowd, which included a large contingent of Delta Upsilon alumni who traveled together from campus.
“Our strong relationship with alumni is one of the elements that help make ԱƵ what it is: a unique and special place,” said Herbst.
Tom McGarrity ’79, P’10 reminisced about playing for Coach Fred Dunlap ’50, and said one of his favorite memories was a big win over Villanova, which featured future NFL great Howie Long, back in 1978. ԱƵ also would beat bowl-bound Rutgers that year, 14-9.
Al Egler ’79 sported his No. 27 jersey from his playing days, and was glad to talk about his dad, Al ’51, who captained the 1950 team that would beat Syracuse 19-14, marking the last time the Raiders would beat the Orange.
“Football is such a huge tradition and legacy here at ԱƵ, and this kind of event is a great chance for us to come back and see our old buddies, teammates, friends, and fans,” said Egler.
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