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Central Junior High Football
1945 photos courtesy of Bill LaGrange

The 1945 Central Junior High “Whirlwinds” began an undefeated season of six games with a 15-0 victory over the rival Welch “Wildcats.”  Front row from left; Jack Adams, Paul Arrasmith, Don Peterson, Bill LaGrange, Jim Robertson, Jim Champlin, and Tom Johnson.  Back row from left; Maurice Swanson, Dick Hall, Dick Fincham, and Merritt Daulton.  All these players were 9th graders except for Jim Champlin, who was an 8th grader.

This photo was taken at the Ames High School Fieldhouse stadium just south of Lincoln Way.  The team is facing south.  At right in the background one sees the back portion of Fall Oil Company and Fall Restaurant at the corner of Walnut and Lincoln Way.

1945 Central Junior High Football Season

Central at home 15 - - - - - - - - - - - - Welch 0
Central at home 6  - - - - - - - - - - - - Boone 0
Central at home 26 - - - - - - - - - - - Lincoln 0
Central 12 - - - - - - - - - - - at Marshalltown 7
Central 20  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - at Valley 6
Central at home 19 - - - - - - - - - - - - Welch 6

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In back, Chuck Earnst, trainer

Fourth row, from left: Darrel Rowe, guard; Bob Dale, tackle; Paul Arrasmith, tackle; Maurice Swanson, half; Chuck Schulze, guard; Ronald Campbell, guard.

Third row, from left: Nort Mezvinsky, guard; Bob Peterson, tackle; Jim Prather, full; Les Holland, half; Merritt Daulton, half; Dick Cox, quarterback; Ron Abbott, tackle; G. M. Campbell, coach;

Second row, from left: Bob Schory, coach; Don Peterson, guard; Page Arnold, half; Dick Hall, quarterback, Dick Swank, center; Bob Hall, end; Tom Johnson, end.

Front row, from left: Dick Schory, trainer; Jim Robertson, guard, Jim Champlin, tackle; Bill LaGrange, center; Dick Fincham, fullback; Dick Lynch, guard; Jack Adams, end; Edgar Griffith, trainer.

This portion of a VALO aerial photo, circa 1947, shows the Ames High Fieldhouse and stadium.  The bulk oil tanks in the photo viewpoint were constructed after the 1945 football photo.
May 21, 1945 issue of the Central Junior High School COMET

"Goodbye, Central"
In a few days many of us will have only memories of the three years spent in Central.  All of the gripes will be forgotten and only the pleasanter things will remain in our memories...

For the football boys the glory of an undefeated season will stay in their minds, while the pains of practice will leave them.
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