|
Glenn Gartland
With John's mention of Coach Wilson, I was "triggered" to chime in on the thread regarding the original Cicero High School building since I was part of the class of '70, the original graduating class from the school.
I played for the baseball team in 68-69 and 69-70 and, if my memory is not failing (probaby is), we only lost one game over those seasons. I also think that I was the starting pitcher for the one game we lost....so sorry to my teammates for 'dropping the ball'. I did play at NS for Coach Bader before the split. They were both great coaches however, over our two seasons at Cicero, I think I can speak for my teammates saying the Coach Wilson was one of the best coaches we ever played for.
I haven't lived in North Syracuse since leaving for military service in 1971 but I've been back for family and friend visits, reunions and NYS blues festivals many times. At the risk of being accused of living in the past, I do take nostalgic drives around our old stomping grounds to see our schools, both NS and Cicero and check out how much our towns have changed (of course) over all the years. On one visit to the original Cicero High School building a few years ago, I went around to where our student parking lot and entrance were to marvel at the athletic complex behind the school. Fortunately, on the day I visited, there was an event taking place in the gym so I parked and went in the entrance to the foyer outside the gym, which is where we established our senior class lounge. That is the area where trophy cases are and the plaque specifying the built date of the school (have posted some pics from that visit on my profile page if anyone is interested).
To make an already long story somewhat shorter, I was disappointed to seen no reference the original Cicero High. I wish there was something but, I have learned over our many years, that I can keep whatever I refer to as an "all about me wall" in my own house.
We've had some people from both schools become more widely known; Dave Giusti and Skip Kenny both had major league baseball careers, Richard Gere (NS class of 1968 - I think most of us have heard of him [his father, Homer Gere, was my grandparents' insurance man]). Brooks Nicklaus and Peter Nestico became successful restauranteurs/chefs.
We all have memories that we wish were more obviously recognized but personally, I have great friends from both schools who I really enjoy seeing and talking with at the reunions (thanks to John, Diane and all the others who have carried the banner for so many years). It's enjoyable to get with Jet-jockeys (Rocky Capozzi, Steve Martin and Mike Slattery talking). Maybe next time I make it back, the "trophy wall" at the school will include some more tributes to the original Cicero HS.
Last but not least, RIP; our friends and classmates who have passed including coaches Wilson (died 2018) and Bader (died 2024)
|
