WHS 1955-56 Basketball, Football: 'Almost Perfect, Twice'

Now, for the District 6 playoffs. Back in the day, there were only three classifications (A,B,C), and as hard as it is to imagine, there was no competition for girls.

This was uncharted territory for the Blue Pirates: to enter the District6 playoffs undefeated, with a 23-0 record. The tough loss to Southmont in the previous year’s district final would certainly be extra incentive for the previous season’s underclassmen.

First up was Orbisonia. No problem: WHS prevailed 74-59. A bonus for Casper’s offense was the emergence of forward Jack Campbell, who after scoring 31 against Robert Smith, racked up 15 points or more in each playoff game. With Wagner in the left corner and Campbell in the right, the middle was open for Hall, Dibert, Flaig, and Hancuff to penetrate the lane and stretch the defense. From there Wagner, Campbell, and Frank crashed the offensive boards. Things were coming together at “the perfect moment in time.”

Round Two saw Centre Hall fall to the surging Pirates with Wagner posting 24 points and Campbell adding 14 in an easy 85-66 win. No historic comeback was required as in the previous season’s epic battle when Coach Casper’s crew overcame a 19-point deficit.

Lilly-Washington High would emerge as the Blue Pirate opponent in the District final. Lilly competed but came up short, allowing WHS to claim its first district six title in school history. The Cambria County contingent fell 76-65. Many more titles were to come for both boys’ and girls’ teams in decades ahead.

Notice that none of our 1956 opponents still exist as school districts (Lilly-Penn Cambria, Centre Hall-Penns Valley, Orbisonia-Southern Huntingdon). Somehow, thankfully, we are still here.

With no WPIAL teams in the state tournament and no private or charter schools as yet (imagine that), only one hurdle had to be overcome before reaching the Western Regional final. Bedford County’s and District V champion, Hyndman, had the misfortune to be standing in the way of the undefeated Blue Pirates. Williamsburg advanced to the Western “C” final, overwhelming the Hornets 90-61.

Now it was on to Farrell, PA, close to the Ohio border, to see who would play for the 1956 Class C state championship. We rode the student bus all the way, stopping at Newcastle for a burger and fries. No doubt we were participating in a great adventure, know it or not.

Note: This column, along with team photos, will conclude in next week’s edition.