Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N For the last couple of years, the Geezers around here have been arguing that...

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N
For the last couple of years, the Geezers around here have been arguing that we are both a football and basketball school -- and and that we should always be both a football and basketball school.

We want all of you youngsters to have the same experiences we had.

And, now, we are on the path of return to prominence in football.

When figuring out what picture to use as my Class of 66 identity, I settled on this part of my yell leader's sweater -- a special add on for the 1966 Rose Bowl Game we won. That was a magic year when a squad of "gutty little Bruins" (a term of honor not derision) under the coaching genius of Tommy Prothro, won the Rose Bowl.

I post this now because I think we will soon see the magic that great coaching can bring to our football team, just as we have seen it in basketball.

History has a way of repeating and our time has come.

Go Bruins.

about 1 year ago Class of 66 Comment 22 comments 3 recs |

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That is very cool!

by bluestreet on May 14, 2008 7:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Glad to see you were able to figure it out before Fox

My old man used to tell me the story about that Rose Bowl all the time. I totally embrace the term “gutty little Bruins.”

by bruinbabe2000 on May 14, 2008 9:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

glb

I hate the term. Lot of TrOJies use it as a slur.

by bluestreet on May 14, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's Only A Slur in the Small Minds of People Who Don't Understand What it Represents

I’ve written a lot about this, before, and won’t do it again.

However, the “gutty little Bruins” were players who performed beyond the limitations of size and talent, winning games they should never have one—including the 1966 Rose Bowl against a then ranked #1 and heavily favored Michigan state team. The term symbolizes playing as a team at the highest level of personal talent. That can’t be bad.

Frankly, I don’t care what sc people think or say about the phrase. It’s ours, not theirs.

For Bruins who don’t quite get it, do some research on the ‘66 team. Here’s a start: http://www.mmbolding.com/bowls/Rose_1966.htm

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 14, 2008 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Respectfully

66 I have nothing but respect for you.

I appreciate the history behind that term. I was aware that the term originated from the 60s when our Bruins were not only going to the Rose Bowl, but winning them.

But from vantage point as someone who became a UCLA football fan during the Donahue era, I felt that term was always being pushed around to note a perpetual "underdog" image of UCLA football.

I don’t appreciate that.

I believe our football team should the Mighty Bruins, not the Gutty Little Bruins that our opponents will fear.

by bluestreet on May 14, 2008 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally understand

Like any term, overuse diminishes value.

I think it disrespectful to the original GLB’s to apply the term to teams that chronically underachieve.

Ironically, it was overused during the Donahue era. Why is it ironic? Because TD and Jim Colletto were the 2 most famous gutty little Bruins—both played hard, with passion and courage against much bigger and stronger opponents, and both won.

To me, the term brings fond memories of unexpected victories. I can understand how it has another meaning for those much younger.

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 14, 2008 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough

Love the way you share your take on Bruin history 66.

by bluestreet on May 14, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Geezer Goose Bumps: A Lesson in UCLA Football History

Street, if you have time, take a look at the web site I posted below—the one that contains the ‘66 Rose Bowl pictures and read the short description of the game. And, take a look at Fox’s posts below.

When you do, you’ll see why to our generation of Bruin, GLB means so much. I laugh at Fox’s statement about Big John. To us, he was huuge! That will give you a sense of small this team was.

Also take a look at the names of the heroes and you’ll find Colletto and Donahue; that will help explain why some of us feel such strong affection for them as players and role models.

Read about what these little guys did. They held MSU three times on downs.

Oh, by the way, many of those GLB’s were playing both ways—particularly some of the line men playing on both D and O.

And, read what an incredible coach does to beat a bigger and supposedly better team: A totally unexpected on side kick after an early score and an immediate drive to a touchdown. Tackle eligible plays. A short passing game to neutralize the size and speed advantage of MSU’s line. (No it wasn’t the WCO, but it could have been.)

You’ll understand why, to many of us, Tommy Prothro was one of the greatest UCLA football coaches in history.

I know you did not intend any disrespect when you said you were tired of hearing the term GLB. We agree, I am tired of the way it is being used, today.

However, historically, it deserves respect. It stands for one team, one group of very special players and a great coach. GLB has great meaning to us old guys and I’m glad you raised concerns about its use because it allowed me to go back and re-live what may be my favorite Bruin game of all time.

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 15, 2008 6:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One small difference of opinion

The 20-16 Beban to Altenberg game against justsc remains my favorite game ever. It was my first win over the trOJans as a Bruin.

by Fox 71 on May 15, 2008 6:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tough Call Between Those Two Games

Nov 20, 1965: #7 UCLA v. #6 USC for the Pac 8 Title and the right to play in the Rose Bowl against Michigan State.

55 Minutes of Agony
The first 55 minutes of the UCLA-USC game was painful to watch. It started out well, as All-American Tailback Melvin Farr sped throw a gaping hole and ran 49 yards for the touchdown. The extra point was blocked, and it went down hill from there. For every minute after that and before the last five minutes of the game, it seemed like UCLA’s Rose Bowl hopes had vanquished. With five minutes left, the Trojans had held UCLA to only five first downs and 85 yards in total offense. In contrast, USC had gained a whopping 405 total offensive yards and 21 first downs.

5 Minutes of Glory

Then miracles happened. USC had the ball at their own 23 yard line. As USC quarterback Winslow hiked the ball and rolled out to the left, linebacker Dallas Grider hit Winslow, forcing the fumble and turnover. Beban took full advantage of the situation and connected with Dick Witcher for the touchdown. UCLA’s two point conversion proved successful, but they were still down by two, 14-16.

With just four minutes left, Coach Prothro called for an onside kick, a play that rarely works. Only this time it did work, as Girder caught the ball at the Trojan’s 49 yard line. They still had to scored, however, and after two downs, the Bruins faced a long 3 rd down with 24 yards to go. Prothro decided to call X Post H, a play which had been intercepted earlier in the game. This time it was different, as the ball was caught by wide receiver Kurt Altenberg, and he ran the final 5 yards for the touchdown. USC had one last chance to score, but it proved to be futile, and UCLA defeated USC 20-16. UCLA lost the last game of the season to Tennessee, but their record was good enough to be AAWU champions, and they were invited to the Rose Bowl Game.

To see the whole story, go here:”http://www.english.ucla.edu/ucla1960s/6465/Smith2.htm#f1965”

“What?” you may say, a Bruin team in the top 10, I thought we were always a basketball school. Not quite.

Fox, I’m not sure which game I loved more. Both were very special. I had given my parents my “yell leader” tickets and they were on the 50 yard line at each game. I remember looking up at them and almost crying.

And, in college, Dick Witcher was one of my very best friends. He was an incredible, humble country boy, courteous beyond belief. Having him catch that pass was as close as I’ll ever be to an end zone.

Ah, good memories, my Geezer friend.

The whole purpose of this thread was to fire up the young ‘uns, to let them know that their day is coming.

I hope this has served that purpose.

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 15, 2008 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruins, Steve is right -- we can have this again

You really have no idea how exciting that game against justsc was. The Rose Bowl game was just as exciting to me, but for reasons I can’t really articulate, the 20-16 game will always be “the” game. Indeed, if you say “20 to 16” to any Bruin of the age of geezerdom, he or she will know exactly what you mean.

And during basketball season not long after that game, justsc’s tinny-sounding band played the 1812 Overture at a game at the Sports Arena. Our band then played it the way it’s supposed to sound, and my frat brother Terry Steward lead what remains as the best yell he ever lead: “Twenty to Sixteen Overture!” There was complete pandemonium on one side, and complete silence on the other side. Sir Winston must have been there, because it was that yell that made him comment to Terry, “If the Empire last a thousand years, they will say THIS was your finest hour.”

And we can have that again. I feel it. Coach Neuheisel is not just blowing smoke. He’s telling it like it is. I would be willing to suit up and be a wedge buster against justsc even now, in my sixth decade and knowing that I would probably not survive my first hit. But I’m ready to follow Coach Neuheisel into battle. We can do this, and the excitement that will follow will be something you kids will be writing about In 2045 to another generation of Bruins.

I wouldn’t trade my time at school for anything, but I sure do envy you new guys who get to live it for the first time. You’re in for a really great ride.

by Fox 71 on May 15, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank You, My Friend for the Memories

Fox My Friend,

Having you around is like having a college buddy in Houston—someone who remembers and gets it.

This thread, driven by your memories, has given me goose bumps more than once.

I was one of the Yell Leaders with Terry and remember well the “Overture” yell. Things were very different then. None of us could tumble our way across the floor or do a hand stand or pyramid. We just created yells and led them. One of my favorites was during the 20-16 game after that stupid horse had run around and we did a cheer to honor the horse “Hoof Hearted” which, when done correctly, sounded like a question not a statement. More than once, during the year, the AD gave us a friendly look that meant we might be stretching things a bit.

As it is, today, our band was a very big part of everything Bruin spirit. You are so right. They totally blew away the sc band on the 1812.

BTW—after the Rose Bowl victory mentioned above, we renamed it the 14-12 Overture and played it often. (We had actually played it during the RB. It got renamed afterwards.)

Young Bruins—you are on the path to football memories like these. Not sporadic wins but a tradition built on strong Bruin soil.

Thank you Fox for stirring up these wonderful stories.

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 16, 2008 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

66,

That is terrific.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on May 14, 2008 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks Great!

If you have any other images from this time frame you should post them! I am sure I am not the only one who would like to see them.

by makenji on May 14, 2008 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Someone has to have a picture of Stiles stopping Apisa at the goal line.

That needs to be up here somewhere.

by Fox 71 on May 14, 2008 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Apisa Stop -- An Incredible Moment

A couple of years ago I was in a sushi bar on Wilshire, can’t remember the name of it but it was around Barrington.

Anyway, on the wall was a picture of “the stop”. Turns out Bob Stiles owned the sushi bar.

Anyone know the place? I’ll bet he’d give us a copy.

It is an incredible picture of a great moment.

For those of you who don’t know the story, Stiles saved a Rose Bowl victory. MSU scored at the end of the game and went for 2 to win.

Apisa was a huge running back. It looked like he’d be able to get into the end zone until a very undersized Bob Stiles hit him, one on one, and knocked him backwards. Stiles was knocked out. I was on the field, as a yell leader, just yards from the play.

Bob Stiles, another gutty little Bruin.

We really need that picture.

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 14, 2008 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Second that request

by Nestor on May 14, 2008 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Found Some of the Images on Line

Click here: http://www.mmbolding.com/bowls/Rose_1966.htm

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 14, 2008 8:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Donahue #62 in the Picture?

I think that might be him. He played D line. Yes, D line. Shows where the “little” in GLB came from.

sjh

by Class of 66 on May 14, 2008 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our defensive tackles were huge

Big John Richardson (the biggest guy on the team and the biggest guy I had ever seen at that point) weighed 225, and Terry Donahue weighed 196. I think Apisa weighed 235.

by Fox 71 on May 15, 2008 4:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The photos are great

In the one showing Stiles on the ground, I think I see two of my frat brothers, Bob Barton and Steve Trabish, right over 62’s shoulder and 23’s head. And no. 75 is indeed Richardson. No. 62 may well be Donahue. I tried to find something in my old yearbook and on line to verify any of this, but alas found nothing.

by Fox 71 on May 15, 2008 4:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs