At an 81st annual dinner, October 15, the East High Football Old Timers Association recognized 50- and 25-year Tomcat football teams.
The event at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia opened with a reception followed by a dinner and program. Emcee was Claudio Mercado.
The 2001 team was inducted into the association; the 1976 team was celebrated. Stephen “Benny” Kenyon, a 1968 East alum, organized the celebration.
Featured were reflections from players and coaches as they were called forward. Raffles, door prizes, a 50-50 drawing, sales of Tomcat gear and a display of memorabilia were included. Proceeds benefit the Tomcat football program and scholarships to senior athletes.
Guest speakers included Tomcat head coach Nick Kukuc who recapped weekly season results. Other speakers were Noel De La Mar, assistant principal of athletics and activities; and Amado Martinez, a 2023 East alum attending Illinois Wesleyan University.
Giovanni Jaquez and Matteos Ramirez received 2026 $1,000 scholarships. A moment of silence was held for coaches who passed away since the 2026 dinner and Arlene Switalski, wife of Coach Walt Switalski.
Dinner proceeds fund game-day drinks and snacks for varsity and sophomore teams and a scholarship fund.
Team 1976 alums participating were Mark Booth, Jay Miller, Skip Roop, Keith Carter, Mark Snoody, Bruce Bieritz, Tom Dunn, Jim Burbridge, Mark Michelini, with Cleveland West and Jim Gunther via Zoom.
Team 2001 attendees were Coach Tosaw, Juan Garcia, Marcus Morales, coach Al Tamberelli, Jenard Miller, Sterling Williams, Coach Wright, Adrian Najera, Ben Ware, Blazer Robinson, Bryan McNair, and Jamar Wright.
The event concluded with awarding of door prizes.
Founded in 1945, the association was organized by Harold Patterson, Ted Weise and Fred Porter, East alums. 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. The association provides social opportunities for former East Aurora High School football team members and contributes support to current football Tomcats.
Kenyon, who has attended the annual Old Timers event for 51 straight years, 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.”
Kenyon appealed to football alums 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.”
—Al Benson