James Zaring

Mel was the starting center for the best football team in BTHS history. Aside from being a great teammate, Mel will always be remembered as the guy that broke our blocking dummy and Frala stopped practice that hot summer day...thanks again Mel. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Go in peace my friend. 

Gary was a natural leader and respected by all. He was the best of the best and i’m proud to call him teammate. His positive attitude was infectious and his skills were second to none. Gary helped me achieve my personal football goals. Gary always gave credit were credit was due. It was never about Gary he always referred to the team. Blocking for Gary was a honor and I will always remember him. Rest In Peace you’ earned it. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. 

I know tomorrow is your birthday, however I'll be in Dublin on business , so I wanted to wish the "Nature Boy" happy birthday and many more.

Randee, thanks for being there for John Green. I won't forget your devotion to our classmates/team mates. Hope all is well.

First of all, thanks Jack for your characterization of Gary. It was spot on. Gary was a gentle giant without an ego problem. Gary came to practice every day and did his job and was only concerned about the team. As I sit here today, I remember how Gary played the game putting everone and everything ahead of his personal goals. Gary wasn't interested in reading his name in the sporting section of the News Democrat only how successful our team was. He was a coaches dream...did his job, no ego. We have now lost 5 team mates (Mike Brady, Les Lund, Buz Imboden, John Green, Gary Kent) and our coach (Robert Frala). Thanks to a few like Jack Wittlich, we will continue to remember and honor our team mates. They were part of the greatest football team in BTHS history. Rest in peace Gary.

John was an integral part of our undefeated team. John played on the defensive line and was not as big

as the other lineman. However, John overcame his size difference with heart, desire, and commitment.John's

tenacious style of play was respected by everyone. I'm proud to call him teammate and I will miss him.

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He was a giant amoung men...and played like one.

After my initial shock, I started to remember those wonderful Friday nights watching Donna lead our marching band off the field and coach Frala yelling at me because I watching Donna and not listening to him. Donna was always compassionate, never contentious, and never got involved in BTHS hyperbole. She was a lady without peer, the best of the best, and I hope she didn't suffer. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Bob, hope you had a great thanksgiving. I spoke with Coach Frala a couple of days ago and his voice was weak but he still remembers our great team and it's players. Stay in touch we aren't getting any younger.

Jack, after reading your message I called and talked to Coach Frala and thanked him
for his devotion to us as players and personally what an impact he had on my life. He and I agreed that our team was and is the best team in the history of BTHS. If you remember the different personalities that Coach had to deal with especially mine a lesser man would not have been successful. At the end of the conversation I was almost in tears. I could tell from his voice that he was not strong and it hurt. What we accomplished as a team we owe to him and I support your initiative. The memories we have regarding our great team we owe to him. Thanks Jack. jvazring@comcast.net