OTTO-ELDRED'S BIG MAN, TEAMMATE AND FRIEND

  Before I go back a half century in the annals of Otto-Eldred High School basketball, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the outstanding seasons that the 2022-2003 basketball programs achieved. 

I never compare teams or individual players in these blogs. I just try to look back at memorable players and teams in various sports. There is a deep history of talented individuals at O-E and some very good teams. 

It's safe to say that there has never been a year that both the boys' and girls' basketball programs put together seasons like this past year. 

I regret not seeing any games, but technology certainly lends a helping hand. The coaches and players of these two programs achieved an outstanding feat and those who were a witness to many of the W's must have had a great time watching it all.

Congratulations on a record-breaking year.

Jerome Wolcott is one of three boys at O-E to hit the 1,000 point career mark. The 6'6", 215 pound center was ahead of his time with the ability to score from inside and outside. 

He led the Terrors to the District 9 Tourney in 1973, where his O-E team lost close games to A-C Valley and Union-Joint. 

    

1973- North Tier League first team all stars. Top row: Scott Potter (Smethport) and Jerome Wolcott (O-E). Middle row: Gary Price and John Frank of Austin. Bottom row: Bill Vasallo and Matt Grimone of Emporium. Wolcott and Frank were first team repeat selections.

The second team consisted of Herb Shirey (Coudersport), John Thrash (Port Allegany), Steve Barrett (O-E), Mike Dodge (Smethport), Randy Cooney (Austin) and McManigle of Emporium.

John Frank was my catcher for the Potter-McKean little league all-stars in 1967 with his Austin teammates, Gary Price at shortstop and Randy Cooney at first base. There were three or four players in this group of athletes who were outstanding in another sport(s).

Wolcott was a three-year basketball starter, played varsity golf and was both a baseball player and football player through his early teens. He also was one of the best Pac-Man players in the area (somebody might have to explain the intricacies of that game that tested hand-eye coordination and ability to strategize to some of the younger readers)

1966- Potter-McKean Little League baseball. Wolcott, a first baseman, saved his team's shortstop at least an error a game pulling down an errant throw that was headed over the first base coach's head and into the stands. Thanks, big man!

Wolcott homers against Shinglehouse, 1967

    1967- Coudersport edges Eldred for the P-M league title

What I remember most about the big man's golf game was his length off the tee. We were playing the course at Saint Bonaventure- a par four from an elevated tee, 300 plus yards to the green.

There was a foursome on the green so we all hit. Jerome's drive landed just short of the green and rolled near the flag. The guys in front of us, trying to make their putts, jerked their heads back to the fairway ready to voice their anger about someone hitting their second shot. All they saw were three young men standing at the tee.

They just waved and went on missing their putts.

1974- Eldred Open. Jerome's father, Joe, was a fine golfer also.

1971- Jerome helping a classmate after school.

1971-1972 season, early season eight point loss to Allegany.

Wolcott and Kerry Snow lead O-E over Allegany.

1972-1973 action below:

1972-1973: First game of O-E Christmas Tourney. Terrors win fifth in a row after loss to Portville to start season.

Bradford Central Christian wins O-E tourney.

O-E in league win over Port Allegany. Austin's John Frank hits the 1,000 point mark. Austin and O-E battling for class title.  Wolcott is doubled-team for most of the game, Steve Barrett and Kerry Snow take advantage of defense for big nights.

Wolcott finishes sixth in the Big 30 scoring, 1972-1973. John Frank and Randy Cooney of Austin also in the top 20. Wolcott averaged 20.4 a game.

O-E finishes 17-5 in regular season play and wins the class C title. Emporium wins the league and Class B title with 22-1 record. Red Raiders only loss was at O-E.

Wolcott leads Terrors with 13 in season's final game, a playoff loss to Union Joint, 48-45

    

Wolcott is a member of East All-Stars. Bill Vassallo of Emporium is also a member of squad.

Four years of college basketball at Elmira.

Elmira and the University of Kentucky represent U.S. in Australia.

1978- You have to love coming back home and playing some local league basketball. Maybe, not as tight a defensive struggle as college. Lots of 20 point plus games and Wolcott hits for 42.

Only one day of March remaining- MLB opens today, NCAA Final 4, NOTE-Lots of excitement out here in Iowa with the women's team led by Caitlin Clark (if you haven't seen her-she's a unique and exciting player) playing pre-tourney favorite, South Carolina. I don't know about all the match-ups and how big a favorite S.C. is, but Clark is a lot of fun to watch. Just like the 2022-2023 Otto-Eldred HS teams were this season.

Jerome Wolcott, one of O-E's best, and my long-time friend of almost 60 years. A tremendous competitor and person.