By Unadilla Cub Sports writer Bob Wilhelm

Sixty years ago, the 1965 Syracuse American Legion Post 100 Midget baseball team won the Class B State Championship title game played at Grant, NE. On their way to the title with a 23-3 record, they defeated Plattsmouth and Harlen in the District, Strang and Blue Hill in the Regional and finally Maywood and Papillion at State. Team members were Mike Lankton, Robert Peterson, Jay Van Housen, Larry Wellman, Perry Woods, Dan Crownover, Ricky Patton, Dick Morrissey, Doug Severs, Tom Patton, Bill Formanack, Dale Kruse, Steve Dean, Bob Brandt. They were coached by Roger Beckman and Tom Lewis and it was the first year of coaching for both.

Nine members from the 1965 championship team recently gathered to commemorate, reminisce, and discuss the high points of their successful season at Mal’s Bar and Grill on Unadilla’s beautiful and historic Main Street. Present and pictured here: Front row l-r Dan Crownover, Tom Patton, Bill Formanack, Jay Van Housen, Bob Brandt. Back row l-r Steve Dean, Dick Morrissey, Dale Kruse and Roger Beckman.

On display was the Championship trophy, Bob Brandts team Jacket (which still fit) and team photo and related newspaper articles.