DON RAABE: We conclude today with comments made by Joe Bennett
of West Lafayette, Ind., who still marvels at some of the things
Don Raabe did as a coach in Bradford.

Here’s one example: “In 1957, the team’s bread-and-butter play
was a power run into the middle of the line by fullback Jim
Comilla. During halftime of the second game, the coach said to
Comilla, ‘Next time you run that play, cut right as soon as you get
past the line.’ On the first play of the second half, Comilla – who
was not a speedster – followed orders and went for a long
touchdown. Raabe did the same thing two years later when Tom Frigo
was carrying the ball.”

Joe also passes along names of the 1959 team: Pat Clifford, Lou
Pascarella, Greg Hayes, John Hayes, Mike Miller, Tom Viola, Bill
Manning, Tom Taylor, Carl Zandi, Jim Bushey, Joe Varatta, John
Serafini. Raabe’s assistants were Frank Castanir, Zink Gigliotti,
Paul Hvizdzak.

“Although Raabe’s name will always be associated with football
in Bradford, he also was a successful basketball coach. At least
one of his teams won a league championship. He handled both sports
for at least the four years that I was at St. Bernard’s. He also
taught history and physical education. Later, he also served as
athletic director,” Joe writes.

Don Raabe was also parks director for Bradford City for many
years.

Of course, what probably resonates most with a lot of our
“younger” readers is his association with the Don Raabe Big 30
All-Star Charities Classic held the first Saturday in August at
Parkway Field. As the name suggests, Raabe started this competition
which annually pits the best football players from northern
Pennsylvania against the best from southern New York.

The game is always a great display of local athletic talent and
has also distributed quite a lot of money to charity. Don Raabe’s
legacy continues.

EQUAL TIME: We had a call yesterday after printing the story of
Don Raabe’s 1959 team when St. Bernard very nearly upset the
Smethport Hubbers who went on to an undefeated season.

A reader, apparently from Smethport, wanted to know the name of
the individual who was the Hubbers’ coach.

Surely, one of Smethport’s devoted football fans has that
information and can fill us in. Details on that exceptional season
would also be appreciated.