Football Game Dedication
Pre-game Alumni Presentation
At this time, we’d like to ask the captains, head coaches,
and honorary Pittsfield High Football captains from each team to join us at the center of the field.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. In recent years,
Pittsfield High School has entered a new era of academic and athletic excellence. A significant number of young
men and woman have been members of the athletic programs at Pittsfield High leaving a rich tradition of high school
athletics here in our city. Everyone in attendance tonight can probably attest to the positive effect that athletics have
had on their lives. Even as an adult, the things we learned as members of athletic teams continue to relate to how we carry
ourselves today.
We gather here tonight to not only support our current student-athletes,
but to also celebrate the past, recognize the legacy of our former players, and celebrate the life and contributions of an
important member of the Pittsfield High family. Earlier today, a memorial service was held for Jack O’Gara - Pittsfield
High Class of 1959. Jack, the son of longtime Berkshire Eagle Sports Editor -- the legendary Roger O’Gara -- was a National
Merit Scholar at PHS. His passion for sports led to him being an All Berkshire Football Selection in 1958 and induction into
the Pittsfield City Football Hall of Fame. Following high school, Jack received his bachelors degree from Yale University,
where he continued his football career.
Following a successful career as an executive and author,
Jack returned to Pittsfield upon his retirement. Under Jack’s guidance, the Tom Giddings Scholarship — named
in memory of another PHS athletic standout - recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The Tom Giddings Scholarship is the
single largest award available in Berkshire County for graduating seniors representing the city of Pittsfield. Jack,
who passed away earlier this year, took special interest and pleasure in remaining in contact with the scholarship recipients
and contributors.
As a tribute the Jack's legacy, the current Pittsfield
High captains are joined tonight at mid-field by Jack’s family, friends, and former teammates. With this
in mind, please join us in a round of applause for tonight’s honorary Pittsfield High captains:
From Right To Left...
Family:
Paul O'Gara, Brother, PHS '61 Halfback, 3
Undefeated PHS Teams. Followed Jack O'Gara into Yale where he also played football. PHS Tom Curtin Award Winner.
All Berkshire.
Former Teammates & Coach:
Bill Seely - PHS '61 End '58,
'59, '60 Undefeated Playing Seasons. All Berkshire.
Ray Woitkowski - PHS '62 Captain, Running Back '59, '60,
'61 Undefeated Playing Seasons. All Berkshire. NFL Giants
Bill Eramo - PHS '59 'Co-Captain w
Tom Giddings, 56, '57, '58 Playing Seasons,
John Sottile - PHS '60, Captain '57,
'58, '59 Playing Season Undefeated '59 Champions. Tom Curtin Award.
Chuck Garivaltis - PHS 1953, Captain, All
Everything! Returned as Assist Coach
On behalf the Pittsfield Public Schools, and the
PHS football family, we’d like to welcome these honorary captains to tonight’s game. Your contributions to Pittsfield
High School and our community are greatly appreciated. Similar to Jack O’Gara’s legacy and The Tom Giddings
Scholarship, your connection to Pittsfield High will always be strong.
Ladies and gentleman, in memory of Jack O’Gara, and
in celebration of the former players joining us on the field this evening, please join me in one more round of applause
as tonight’s honorary captains take part in the traditional pre-game coin toss.
