What makes Reitz Football special to you?

from Anonymous, Class of 1972: I grew up watching my older brother play football at Reitz. I got to see the teams play from the 50's into the 60's. What great crowds! What great teams! What a great coach! All I ever wanted in life was to be a part of a state championship football team.
Thanks Mr. Padgett
Thanks Mr. Schaffer
Thanks Mr. Henry
Thanks teammates

- a 1971 player

Yes, that was a very good year!

does anyone on here remember bill coleman from 1955 to 1958? he was my uncle and was one of the stars of the team!

It’s been awhile, but I will try and list a few things I remember about your uncle Bill. He was outstanding. I had some classes with him at Reitz. Back then, the band sat down on the sidelines and as band members, we were close to the action. I believe Bill was the leading scorer in Evansville during his sophomore year - he not only scored TD’s but I believe he also kicked extra points. Another trombone player and I would always comment “Who do you think will score first - Coleman or Trainer?. Invariably, on our first play from scrimmage at every game, either Bill or Tom scored a touch down. I mentioned this to Tom Trainer at our 50th class reunion last October and he nodded his head yes and said matter of factly that was correct - Mr Byers “designed” it that way and one did not want to disappoint Coach Byers’ expectations! Both of them said they looked forward to the games which were on the soft grass and easier than practice. I also remember that Uncle Bill had a full cast on his leg that I believe was a football injury at the end of season our Senior year.

During our senior year, the football (line of scrimmage) usually moved in the direction Reitz was headed - either on offense or defense. The team scored so quickly and often that we did not have time to put our horns away and get them out again because we had to play the school song after each TD. In our 58 ' senior yearbook it shows that William (Bill) played football and track all 4 years and basketball during his freshman & soph. years and was vice president of our freshman class.

You can go on this sight and pull up some stats - I know he was on several honor teams since we won State during both our Junior (fall 56 ) and senior (fall 57) years. Remember, we had two newspapers back then and I’m sure you would find many accolades about your uncle Bill in the archives of both the (evening) Evansville Press and the (morning) Evansville Courier - plus the “Sunday Courier and Press”.
In addition to all of the RHS team pictures, I believe there is an 8th grade (1954) class picture with Bill in the hallway at Daniel Wertz School on Red Bank Road.

Hope this helps. Trombone 58