By Al Benson
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the East (Aurora) High Football Old Timers Association honored 50- and 25-year Tomcat teams October 16 at an evening dinner and program at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia.
Stephen “Benny” Kenyon, event organizer, said 140 persons attended. “Attendance increased from previous years,” he said. “I cannot validate that it was a record, but the spirit and support for this event was notable.”
Team 1975 members honored were Mark Michelini, Dan Platt, Larry Craft, Chuck Nelson, assistant coach Walt Switalski and assistant coach Bill Fornal. A host of 25-year football Tomcats attended.
Event features included reflections from players and coaches when they were called forward. Additionally, raffles, a 50-50 drawing, sales of Tomcat gear and a display of memorabilia were included. Proceeds benefit the Tomcat football program and a scholarship fund. Joel Celis, a 2018 Tomcat alum and a scholarship recipient, expressed appreciation in brief remarks.
After team 2000 was introduced, members recapped many memories from their season. Coach Al Tamberelli spoke fondly of the individuals and remarked on how closely connected they had remained over the years.
Other guest speakers included Tomcat head coach Nick Kukuc. He recapped the current season and urged dinner guests to support the Tomcats in their annual East-West game held October 17 at West. Kukuc thanked the association for player scholarships and game-day drinks and snacks for varsity and sophomore teams. Last year, the association held a year end pizza gathering for the 2024 team.
Kenyon and wife Jan presented honorees with a custom association challenge coin to commemorate the 80th event. The Kenyons sponsored the coins.
Coach Kenyon, a 1968 East alum, has attended the annual Old Timers event for 51 straight years. He said, “The comradery, reconnection and reflection throughout the evening is so positive. Seeing my former classmates, teammates, student athletes, and coaching partners from the past decades at this event is tremendous.
“I am proud and gratified to do volunteer work with my former athletes who are now part of the planning team and have matured into community minded individuals. These gentlemen have joined me in the quest to keep this organization moving forward.”
Founded in 1945, the association was organized by Harold Patterson, Ted Weise, and Fred Porter. The first gathering was 25 years after the opening of East’s roy E. Davis Field. The only qualification for membership is a year as a Tomcat football team member.
A perpetual plaque on display at East High displays names of scholarship winners.
Memorabilia displayed included a raffled football from the 1967 homecoming game. Carol Hudgens Neuenkirchen donated the autographed ball.
Coach Kenyon will be inducted into the Illinois State University Hockey Hall of Fame later this month. He was a charter team member. Bob McCue, Sr., and family curate the collection.
He announced that the Tomcat teams of 1976 and 2001 will be honored next year. He appealed to dinner attendees to help identify team members and coaches.
“The East High Football Old Timers organization is unique and has sustained eight decades,” Kenyon said. “Help us prepare for the future so that we can fortify our membership to keep the Tomcat spirit and celebration vibrant for years to come.”