History Piece Returns To Rightful Place At Powers Gym

May 22, 2010 Contributor

OSWEGO, NY – In 1957 the David Powers Gymnasium at the Frederick Leighton Elementary School was officially opened.

To remember that special event the basketball used in the first game was placed on display in the trophy case.

Warren Shaw undertook the sentimental project of refurbishing the ball from the first basketball game played at Powers Gym in 1957. He presented the ball to ’57 team member Lou Angelina. Joining for the brief ceremony are Board of Education member Dave White, Board of Education President Sam Tripp and Board of Education Vice-President James Tschudy.
Warren Shaw undertook the sentimental project of refurbishing the ball from the first basketball game played at Powers Gym in 1957. He presented the ball to ’57 team member Lou Angelina. Joining for the brief ceremony are Board of Education member Dave White, Board of Education President Sam Tripp and Board of Education Vice-President James Tschudy.

Several years ago it was quite obvious that time had taken its toll on the basketball and the memento started to peel. The ball fell apart and members of the original team asked if something could be done to restore the ball to its original shape.

Oswego High School technology teacher Warren Shaw accepted the challenge and generously donated his time to refurbish the basketball. He said, “I wanted to keep the original ball, but it was in terrible shape. It had peeled away. So I took the ball apart piece by piece, made a form on the inside and glued the original covering back on.”

Recently, Shaw presented the ball to a member of that 1957 team as Lou Angelina was joined by members of the Board of Education in the special presentation in front of not only the gym, but Coach Dave Powers’ photo.

Lou said, “This is important in Oswego High School sports history and I would like to thank Warren for his tremendous effort to put this ball back on display where it belongs.”

Members of that 1957 team included Don Smith, Murphy Occhino, Chuck Turner, Tom Teifke, Dick Decker, Dick Salisbury, John Symons, Fred Plank, Sam Coe, Dave Gorman, Wally Brown, Nick Cross, Don Capron and Bill Yeas along with Angelina.

Board of Education member Dave White assisted in spearheading the effort to get this project completed. Board President Sam Tripp and Vice-President James Tschudy also expressed their appreciation to all involved in keeping Oswego sports history alive.

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