As a fundraiser for the historic Parkland School building, to create a community center and not allow demolition of the structure
, we need your help gathering old class photos for a memory book. If you or your parents or siblings attended Parkland and have class photos, please share high-quality scans of them on the Parkland FB page (in comments). Or email to lindacarlson@earthlink.net. Some photos were taken on the steps or in the auditorium; others are a compilation of the head shots. Oh, and if you can ID the kids in the photos, a HUGE thank you!
We regret to announce the death of Marlene Potter in mid-March. Please see the class Facebook page for the tribute by Holly Hartwell.
More honors for Cindy Stefani Tripp's son! She writes us, "Congratulations to my son Rick Tripp, Franklin Pierce Class of 1990. He was honored for the second year in a row as Head Coach of the Year 2023-24, basketball, 4A NPSL." See the class Facebook page for photos, too!
Sad news, classmates. Here's what Mike Stoltenberg's daughter posted about her brother on Facebook: "It is with PROFOUND sadness that I announce the passing of my amazing and most wonderful brother Seth. On Nov. 15, Seth had a sudden medical event leading to cardiac arrest while driving to his massage appointment. It is with extreme gratitude that I thank the crews at CPFR on my and my families behalf for going above and beyond for my brother this day. Seth was a volunteer firefighter with Riverside, North Puyallup, and briefly Orting Fire, who before resigning left at the rank of lieutenant. He worked at MBCH as an ER tech and EMT for Rural Metro before joining the army reserves after 911 because he wanted to serve his country. He served 8 years before exiting the military and perusing a career as a union carpenter and welder. Seth was a decorated Army veteran who served two tours, one in Iraq the other in Afghanistan."
Services are to be arranged. In the meantime, if you have contact information for Mike, I'm sure he'd appreciate a note. (This is your blogger commenting.)Cindy sends us this update: "Retired nurse of 22 years. I still live in Puyallup. I have 3, successful grown children, 7 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. I am very blessed. My health has really deteriorated as I have terminal kidney cancer. I count each day as a huge blessing. I think of our class often! It has been so many years and just seems like a dream. I pray God blesses each of you with good health and many more years. A picture of my healthier days!"
Mike Buffelen suffered a fatal heart attack shortly before Mother's Day, we learn from Mike LeDuc. He was the father of two, a daughter Michella, and a son Rich. If you have memories to share, Mike tells us that the family can be reached via Rich's email, rcbuffelen@comcast.net.
OK, this is Linda, and I am bragging! First time ever to be published in WSJ! https://www.wsj.com/articles/too-many-parking-spots-not-where-i-live-139c447c#comments_sector
The TNT has an obituary for Dick Larson, who taught biology in our time. See https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tribnet/name/richard-larson-obituary?id=37033614
Join the fight to save Parkland School! See https://sites.google.com/view/savethehistoricparklandschool/home
Ruth Olsen Peterson is among those involved in the opposition to the sale and demolition of Parkland School. Touch base with her if you can help...maybe you didn't attend Parkland, but one of your parents or siblings or cousins did. I (this is Linda Carlson) have written the Tacoma News Tribune regarding my concerns, which include the following. Use any or all of this info when you write your own letter to the county council or the TNT or Prairie Post or local radio or television stations:
Please see class FB page and Parkland School FB page for additional information from Jani Hitchen.
For alumni of Parkland School and members of the Parkland community, past and present:
Paul Skones writes to tell us of Dave Ott's death last October:
Trinity Lutheran Church's newsletter carries the information that the memorial service for Ruth Olsen Peterson's husband Jon will be Saturday, March 5 at Trinity Lutheran at 11 a.m. I (Linda Carlson) have Ruth's address if you wish to send a note or card.
Kevin Cady, our very own Buckwheat Catapillar, shares this photo of himself with Gary Isenberger----maybe they were heading to a prom?---and asks if anyone has heard from Gary in recent years. The photo is dated June 1969, but that's when the film (remember film?) was processed, not necessarily when the photo was taken.
For friends of Ruth Olsen Peterson, I am so, so sorry to share this message from Trinity Lutheran:
Dear Trinity Family,
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Jon Peterson, husband of Ruth Peterson, died suddenly last night of natural causes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and her family as they come to grips with this tragic news. May God’s peace be with them.
Many of you may recall Jim Scearce, who spent his career as an educator in the district, mostly (if not all) at Parkland School. Due to his health problems, he has been included on the Trinity Lutheran prayer list, so I checked with one of his friends in the Men's Prayer Group. He said he knew Jim, now 85, would appreciate hearing from former students, and we were given permission to publish his home address here. I (Linda Carlson) also have his phone number if you want it. (PM me.) The address: 914 121st St. S., Tacoma 98444.
Your blogger is MOVING (anyone want to buy a house in Sequim?) and cleaning out memorabilia left from way back when.
Many of us attended informal reunions at Rollie's Tavern, owned by Rolllie Moore, a 1967 grad. His graveside service is Friday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Fir Lane, with a memorial gathering scheduled for Saturday, the 6th, at the tavern. You'll have to call the tavern for that schedule. In 2010, a military base newspaper featured Rollie, who had been in business since 1976: http://www.northwestmilitary.com/news/focus/2010/01/northwest-military-fort-lewis-ranger-newspaper-mcchord-airlifter-Tyler-Hemstreet-history-tavern-Roll/
LeRoy Bell is on the cover of this season's issue of "3rd Act," a regional magazine. He's also the subject of a lengthy profile that describes both his songwriting and his performances as a musician. See https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=3rd_act_fall2021&u=3rdactmagazine.
Oct. 9, at 11a.m. at Trinity Lutheran will be the memorial service for Pastor Bob Drewes, who with Pastor Erling Thompson conducted confirmation classes for many of us. He was the father of Dennis Drewes, husband of our classmate Rebecca Wise.
Kirk Potter, having retired from The Firs in Bellingham, has made a cross-state move to a single-level (retirement living!) house in Spokane's South Hill neighborhood. For the first time since their children grew up, Kirk and Debbie are near all three and their first grandchild.
The June 6 issue of the Seattle Times has an obituary for Jim Siburg, who you will recall was in a wheelchair due to MS at our 50th:
Your blogger did a Google search for Don Torbet, to check on something she was writing another classmate, and is so, so sorry to have to report that Don died last August. More info: http://rustonhome.blogspot.com/2020/08/donald-e.html. A tribute, which includes details about Don's post-high school adventures and business successes, is at http://rustonhome.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-story-of-don.html
Don and Beth's retirement was covered by the TNT: https://www.thenewstribune.com/entertainment/restaurants/tnt-diner/article221235440.html
Rebecca Wise has created a charming film about her hens and the eggs they provide for her husband Dennis's omelets.
From the funeral home website:
Richard W. "Rick" Giroux, lifelong Tacoma resident, passed away at his home on May 5, 2021. He was 70 years old.
His parents Lucille G. Giroux and Richard W. Giroux both preceded him in death.
A PGA Golf Pro, Rick was as passionate about his students as he was about his love of golf. He was a volunteer at American Lake Veterans Golf Course coaching students as well as working on the grounds. Golfers will remember him from his time at Brookdale Golf Course, Twin Lakes, Linden, Meadow Park, Charles Wright Academy and The Classic as well. His many years of teaching are represented throughout the golfing community and he will be missed on the links.
Rick had a lifelong love of hiking, the wilderness and guitar playing with his childhood buddies. Some of his best days were spent with them.
He leaves behind a brother, Riz (Sue) Giroux, sister Jan Giroux and his nieces Sandra, Ginny and Molly and nephew Aaron as well as great nieces and nephews Katie, Zoe, Lexi, Emma, Dylan, Cody, Kindra, Mario, Reece and Olivia. The laughter he brought to the family will always be remembered and missed.
(Thanks to Steve Elske for alerting us to Rick's death.)
Your blogger is re-reading Murray Morgan's history of the south Puget Sound area, and in it, both Nicholas Delin (Dahlin when he immigrated) and the Sales family are mentioned. I sent this on to Jami Sales, who replied with more information about her family (the first James being the first white child born in Pierce County) and with an update on her life on the Big Island. Besides it being wonderful on her rural acre, she writes, "We have deep friendships and a very satisfying life here. And, to make it just more perfect, Marlene Potter Simpson and her husband Mike moved here 3 years ago and it is just wonderful to have them here, just a mile or so away." Here is the link to a presentation that Jami did a few years ago at James Sales School: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4c1u9hszjv1pg2r/AABbQmP7Y68KD51m70U7wwI_a?dl=0
The News Tribune has an obituary for a former math teacher, Twila Johnson (March 9, 1941 - October 19, 2020). It reads, "Twila graduated from Clarkston High School in 1959. She attended Eastern Washington University where she received her BA in 1963 and Washington State University where she received her MA in 1967. She taught high school math at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, WA from 1963-1997. After retiring she taught math at Pierce College from 1997-2011."
Trinity Lutheran Church's newsletter reports the death of Robert Winters, long-time school district elementary music teacher. An outdoor service is planned for Aug. 29 at the Trinity cemetery. For more information as details are finalized, contact the church.
As reported in the News Tribune:
Thomas Edward Bondo, born June 29, 1950, in Tacoma, died on July 29, 2020, in Federal Way. Tom graduated from Franklin Pierce High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pacific Lutheran University. He was a member of Central Lutheran Church in Tacoma. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Miriam Bondo. He is survived by his sister Susan Barnard of Shelton and by other family members. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and his sense of humor. No service will be held due to Coronavirus. Memorial gifts could be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
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| From left, Steve Elske, Karen Eley, Mike Fagerness, Scott Buchanan, Ruth Olsen, John Ackerman, Burt Kreidler and Lois Barnes, with Jim Siburg in front. |
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| Andrew Christensen opened when we were halfway through elementary, and several were transferred to it. From left, Pauline Goodman, John Ackerman, Jim Goddard, Brian Johnson, Debbi Selden, Marcey Welfringer and Debbie Smith. |
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| Central Avenue, one of the four single-district schools that consolidated after World War II to create the Franklin Pierce District. From left, Alisa Becklund, Ray Parker, Carla Hansen, Eve Bowen, Doug Cail, Wendy Ward, Tom Parker, Bob Matson, Don Torbet (partially hidden), Kristie Taft, Dave Dahlin, Steve McKanna and Bob Bargelt. |
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| Collins was another of the four that consolidated for the district. From left, Mary Marsillo, Diana Worley, Carmie Marsillo, Charlotte Doyle, Dave Bailey, Jim Fieber and Colleen Fahey. |
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| James Sales alumni: from left, Jim Goddard, Kevin Cady, Brian Johnson, Sandy Archer, Dave Rogers, Doug Koss and Morry Milsten. |
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| Midland was another of the single-school districts that consolidated. From left, Mark Smith, Don Torbet, Don Becker, Mark Vetter, Terry McLean, Pauline Isakson, Rose Russo, Doug Cail, Denise Fleming, Connie Kazda, Gary Louderback and Mike Stoltenberg. |
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| Parkland was the larges of the four schools that formed the district. From left, Scott Buchanan, Pauline Goodman, Brian Johnson, Ruth Olsen, Kevin Cady, Dave Rogers, Rose Russo, Tony White, Sharon Severeid, Debbi Selden, Debbie Smith, Sally Gilbertson and in front, Steve Elske and Linda Carlson. |
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| Harvard Elementary: Rick Andersen, Paul Jackson, Mark Vetter, Ed Kroneman, Terry McLean, Pauline Isakson, Tom Fletcher, Barbara Smith, Connie Kazda, Bob Bargetl and Gary Louderback. |
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| Lois Barnes, Karen Eley and husband John, Sally Gilbertson |
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| Jim Fieber and Steve Elske |
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| Jennie Kimmel and Sharon Severeid |
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| Foreground: Phil Johnston and Sheryl Brodahl. Background: Mike Stoltenberg and Carmie Marsillo. |
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| Rose Russo and husband Jon |
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| Wendy Ward and husband, and in the background, among others, Dave Dahlin, Kevin Cady, Mark Vetter, Sandy Archer, Doug Cail and Terry McLean. |
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| Tony White and his guest Lucy |
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| Debbi Selden and her husband |
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| Marcey and Connie |
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| John Ackerman, who biked down from Port Orchard. |
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| Bob Richardson and Wendy Lunde |
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| Ruth, Morry and Ron DeVany |
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| Wendy Ward, John and Wendy's husband |
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| Alisa and Kristie |
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| Ray Parker entertaining the Cox and Bargelt wives, both 1970 |
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| Chuck Hoffman, and the Parker brothers flanking Jeff Johnson |
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| Eddie and Steve Olson flanking (help!) is this Ben Smith? |
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| Click on these photos to see the entire images. Above, thanks to Joanne Axt for this Christensen fourth grade photo. Back row, from left, Lou Ann Betts, Philip Oaks, Steven Deuel, Rodney Richardson, Danny Simpson, Dennis Rutt, Kirk Potter, Karene Taylor and Nancy Martin. In front, Jerry K,, Roger Ellis, Dicky Stroupe, Joanne, Holly Hartwell, Darlene Haines, Sheila Vert, Mike Jones and Toni Bixby. |
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| Top row, from left, is that Wendy Lunde? Tom Meade third from left? Harriet Willard next to JoAnn in the middle? Second row, third girl, Janice Berntsen? Mark Korsmo? Third from right, Debbie Smith? And then Kathy Murray second from right. Front row, Jim Hogberg, second from left? Is that Steve Bertucci next to Rick Giroux? Gregg Wilder is the other boy. |
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| Starting at top left, there's STEVE! The inked-in names say next is Mike, Teddy, and then a couple that are illegible. Steve says the sixth face in the row is Johnny Johnson, and then Scott Buchanan. The two girls are Polly and Adele. In the second row, the first girl is Sheryl and the second is unknown. The third face is Richard Burdick, and then in the middle is Allen (Pete) Attwood. After that, Bradley. Seventh face is John Nelson with George Ford on the end. (Is that a Mike between them?) Third row: Chuck Parrish, Joan and then the third face is Gary Lawson. Fifth is Wanda Elkins. Next to the last is Cathy Wiitala and a Cindy. Bottom row, next to the teacher, is that Ellen Spoffard? Then Lynn, and fourth face, Ruth Olsen, 6th is Sherry Weber and then a Kathy: 8th is Rolayne Simpson. |
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| Starting at the top left, Ken Matheson, unknown, Joy Miller, Mary Marsillo, Debra Holst, Kerry Zircle (?), Cynthia Marecle, unknown. Second row, Ray Jeffries, Julie Edmunds, Charlotte, Marty Baker, Patsy Van Der Wall, Diana Bunn. Third row: Rita Payne, Audra?, Donna Norris, unknown, Carmie Marsillo, Lyle Fisher, Karen Purdue. Bottom row: Mrs. Gentile, Dick Aveldson, unknown, Carol McMeel, unknown, Ken Runyon (?), Terry Johnson and a final unknown. |
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| From top left, we have David Bailey, unknown, Karen Purdue, Ken Matheson, Charlotte, Debra Holst, Kerry Zirkle, and then in the second row, Carmie Marsillo, Lyle Fisher, unknown, Rita Payne, Diana Bunn, unknown, and then Cynthia Norris. Third row, Jeanette Leach, unknown, Joy Miller, Ken Runyon and several unknowns. Bottom row: Mrs. Williams, Dick Aveldson, Mike?, Diana Worley, Ray Jeffries, Duane Ervin, Mary Marsillo, Billy Wallace and Shelly?. |
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| And now for the sixth graders: in the back row, Mike? Tom Bondo, unknown, Cynthia Norris, Patsy Van Der Wall, unknown, Donna Norris, Lyle Fisher, Dan Stockwell. Middle row, Karen Purdue, unknown, Vicki, Nancy Crow, Charlotte, David Jorgenson, Colleen Fahey, Carol McMeel, and then several unknowns, both in this row and in front. Chuck Hoffman is the boy seated on far left, Diana Bunn and Cynthia Marecle are the two girls seated, and left of Diana is Kerry Zirkle. The two boys sitting on the floor are Dick Aveldson and Ken Matheson. |
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| Were you in Mrs. Miller's first grade class? Then you were a classmate of, starting in back from left, Dennis (surname?)), Dave, Judy Harte, Mary Scalph, Bill (Dave) Clowers, Mary (surname?) and Linda Coile. In the middle, Sally Jo Wiggins, Dennis Bauer, Sherry Coons, Ken Maiuri, Matt (surname?), Ronnie Lucas, Sharon Morris and John Rave. In front, Steven Halmstead, Dennis Koval, Dennis Iverson, David (surname?), John Yotty, Wendy Ward and Ray Parker. |
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| Second graders in Mrs. Wood's class included, top from left, Dennis Iverson, Matt, Fred Arbuckle, Mary, Christine, Sally Jo Wiggins, Marjorie. In the middle, Margaret Kenth, Ronnie, David Howard, Doug Cail, Tom Sundquist, Jeannie, Linda Coile. In front, Debbie Langenfeld, John Yotty, Ray Parker, Wendy Ward, Marcia Moland, Carla Hansen and Sherry Coons. |
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| Third graders of Mrs. Miller (same Mrs. Miller or a different one?), starting with the top row: Fred Arbuckle, John Yotty, Hank Krysiak, Dennis Koval, Terry Jacobson, Ray Parker, Gary Fagersedt and David Spears. In the second row, Ken Maiuri, Dave Dahlin, Dennis Forsberg, Susan Schuster, Melody Dean, Wendy Ward and Alisa Becklund. Third row, John Rave, Ronnie Lucas, Shelley Morris, Debbie Langenfeld, Linda Coile, Judy Harte and Sandra Almont. Fourth row: David Howard, Sharon Morris, Patty Fraidenburg, Mary Lee Scalph, Margaret Kenth, Marie Holmes, Steve McKanna, and Steven Anderson. |
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| Starting at the top, these fourth graders are Leota Nelson, Sharon Morris, Harry Bartley, Hank Krysiak, Carla Hansen, Roseanne Loe, Patty Fraidenburg, Jimmy Bartett and Ray Parker. Next row: Ross Ratcliffe, Steve Webster, Janet Armstrong, Christine Nelson, Dennis Bauer, Melody Dean, Dale Morey. Third row: Hal Lemmer (twice), Steve Anderson, Margaret Kemp/Kenth, Dennis Koval, Susan Schuster, Debbie Langenfeld, Bob Ashworth and Shelley Morris. Bottom row: Miss Strong, Mike Jankanish, Jim Fleming, Gary Fagerstedt, Dennis Forsberg, Dave Dahlin, Cindy Hupe, Ronnie Wolfe and Tom Sundquist. |
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| Fifth grade with Mr. Larson! Back row, Dave Dahlin, Harold Lemmer, Dale Morey, Kris Taft, Christine Nelson, Janet Armstrong, Linda Coile and Roseanne Loe. In front of them, Fred Arbuckle, Mike Dyson (?), Rodney Richardson, Mary Scalph, Adrienne Rayeski, Dennis Bauer, Ronnie Stratton (?), Ken Maiuri, and Pat Fautenberry (?). Front row, standing, Alice Craton, Melody Dean, Shelley Morris, Wendy Ward, Alisa Becklund, Linda Schmidt, John Yotty, Steve McKanna, Ray Parker and Charles Bartley. Kneeling in front: Bob Adler, Dennis Forsberg and David Spears. |
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| Here's another photo of Ms. Moffat's sixth graders, a better scan than we had previously. Thanks to Dave Dahlin, we have names! Front row, Tom Sundquist, Mike Dyson (?), Steve Slavens, Steven Webster, Fred Arbuckle, and Rodney Richardson. Behind them, Dennis Iverson, unknown (Francis?), John Yotty, Ray Parker, Steve McKanna, unknown, Wendy Ward, Eva Bowen, Linda Schmidt and (unknown.) Third row, (unknown), Jeanette Leach, Mary Scalph, Roseanne Loe, Pat Fautenberry, Shelley Morris, Alisa Becklund, (unknown), Charles Bartley and Ken Maiuri. Back row, Kris Taft, Janet Armstrong, Linda Coile, Bob Adler, Dennis Forsberg, Harold Lemmer, David Spears, Dave Dahlin, Adrienne Rayeski. |
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| Franklin Pierce Bantam champs, the Yankees, in 1964. Front, from left, Byron Moye, Steve McKanna, John Yotty, Steve Halmstead, Bob Matson, and Chuck Celmer. In back, Dan Helt, Doug Cail, Vince Weber, Dave Dahlin, Ross Ratcliffe, Gary Fagerstedt, Steve Slavins, Dennis Iverson and (unknown). |
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Some of the same guys, a couple of years earlier, the Rookies as champions! Front, from left: Byron Moye, Don Torbet, Charles Bartley and (unknown). Second row: Dave Dahlin, Ross Ratcliffe, Gary Fagerstedt, Doug Cail and Dennis Iverson. Third row: Bob Matson, Tom Sundquist, Dennis Bauer and Steve Slavins. Fourth row: (unknown), head coach, (unknown), Greco (?) and assistant coach.
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