2005 FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME BIOS

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Honorary Inductees for the Year 2005

*** Tim MacDonald ***

Tim MacDonald was born in New Rochelle, New York, 1948. He played football and baseball at Iona Preparatory School from 1962 to 1964. In 1965 he moved on to New Rochelle High where as guard and linebacker he captained the football team to the New York State Championship. He was named the All-Westchester County Teams in both football and baseball as catcher. Graduating in 1966 he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was captain of the freshman team when a knee injury ended his career as a player. In 1968 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. The football team at Quantico took advantage of his skills a “long snapper” at center. He left the Marines in 1970 and returned to school at the University of Florida in 1972 under the GI Bill. Tim graduated with Bachelor of Science in Physical Education 1975. From 1975 to 1977 he was Defensive Coordinator at Miami Jackson, leading his defense to the top rated in the Dade County for 1976 and 1977 In 1978 and 1979 he was head coach at North Miami Beach High. In the spring of 1980 he coached linebackers at Hialeah Miami Lakes High. Tim was head coach at Miami High from 1980 to 1984 bringing hope and enthusiasm to a team that had suffered years of losing seasons. The team’s record for these five seasons was 16 wins against 34 loses. However, in 1982 and 1983 they posted back-to-back break even records of five and five, the best record at Miami High in fourteen years. MacDonald showed his integrity as a coach in 1982 by taking his star quarterback, Eddie Brown, off the roster for poor grades. Tim continues to teach at Miami High and has occasionally served as varsity linebacker coach. He has been chairman of the Physical Education, Health and Driver’s Education Department since 1995. Early on Tim MacDonald had a connection to Miami High. His alma mater, New Rochelle High, had similar football tradition to Miami High and boasted a Co-National Championship along the 1960 Miami High team. Following the success of the Coaches Tribute in 1987, Tim was one of the founders of the Miami High Football Hall of Fame. He was the school’s coordinator with the Hall of Fame from 1989 to 1994. He fashioned it after New Rochelle Football Hall of Fame. Tim’s father was a football coach who taught his son to revere the all time greats. Arnold Tucker was foremost of those in Tim’s childhood memories. Tim was thrilled to attend the induction of Arnold Tucker in 1992. 1993 saw the induction of his quarterback, Eddie Brown. Tim MacDonald has spent 30 years serving as a teacher and coach in the Dade County Publi m. c School system

*** Vester Newcomb ***

Vester Newcomb was born in Calhoun City, Mississippi in 1932. He played football and graduated from Liberty High School in1952. He vowed that one day he would return as head football coach. Vester displayed a knack for football playing at Southwestern Mississippi Junior College under Ralph Davis in 1952. That year he was team captain and named Junior College All-State Linebacker. Being from a poor family Vester enlisted in the Army and played Army Football at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1953 and 1954. He was named to the All-Post Teams both years. Upon leaving the Army he married the love of his life, Charleen, a basketball all-star in her own rite. He returned to SW Mississippi JC for another season in 1955. This time he was named Junior College All-American Linebacker. Under the GI Bill he was able to attend the University of Miami. There he played center and linebacker under George Trogdon in 1956 and 1957. He was named a Southern All-Star and played in the post season All-Star Shrine Bowl of 1958. He was also inducted into the Iron Arrow and Omega Delta Kappa honor fraternities, an unusual accomplishment for a two year student. He won the Academic Trophy for having the best grades on the football team. He graduated from UM with Bachelor of Science in Physical Education 1958. With a growing family to support he turned down an offer from the Greenbay Packers to play professional football. Instead he took a position as defensive coordinator at Miami High under Otis Mooney. Under his coaching for four seasons from 1958 to1961 the Stings won 32 games, lost 3 and tied 5. They outscored opponents 938 to 247 winning four City Championships, three State Championships and the National Championship in 1960. Eleven of the defensive men he coached were named to All-City Teams, while John Battle was named All-American. He left Miami High in 1962 to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield for a year. He returned to football in 1963 as assistant coach at McComb High School in Mississippi. It was very appropriate that his very first head coaching assignment was at his alma mater, Liberty High School, fulfilling the vow he had made thirteen year before. He coached there for the1964 and 1965 seasons before getting called back to Miami as head freshman coach at University of Miami under Charlie Tate in 1966. He returned to Miami High one more time in 1971 and 1972 to be the Stingarees head coach. More high schools, tighter districts, split shifts and demographic changes had made a big difference at Miami High. The record for those two years was seven wins, twelve loses and one tie, but they still managed to out score opponents 237 to 232. His next job was a head coach at Blacksburg High School in Virginia in 1973 and 1974. From there he went to the University of Tennessee at Martin where he was offensive coordinator from 1975 to 1977, then head coach in 1978 and 1979. He coached high schools in Mississippi and Louisiana for four years then tried his hand in retail. He owned an appliance store for two years. He heard the call of coaching again and became head coach at Talladega High School in Alabama 1987 and 1988. He coached his last ten years in Texas at Red Oak, Plano and Dallas. After 41 years of coaching Vester and Charleen retired to Summit, Mississippi in1999. They have three children and four grandchildren.


2005 FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PLAYER INDUCTEES

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From the 1950s Classes

***** Jim Owen, Class of 1950 *****

Jim Owen of the Miami High Class of 1950 wore number 33 on his jersey as he played center and linebacker for the 1948 and 1949 Stingarees. During those seasons the team won twelve games, lost five and tied one. They outscored opponents 402 to 183. Half of those games were against out-of-state teams. Jim was Honorary Captain for the opening game of the 1949 season against Miami Beach High whom they beat 13 to 0. . His most memorable game was the second game of that season against Hoke Smith High of Atlanta. Smith scored all of their 19 points in the first quarter then Miami scored 56 unanswered points. What a game! Playing football at Miami High taught Jim three lessons that were indispensable in all his endeavors: being the best you can be, endurance, and being a team player, Jim was an all around student. He was President of his Sophomore Class and Vice President of his Junior Class. He was voted Junior Joe in 1949. He was a member of Key Club in 1948, 1949 and its President in 1950. He was also a member of the Zenith service club in 1949 and 1950; and its Chaplain in 1949. Jim married his Miami High sweetheart, Mary Cheney upon graduation and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Korea with the First Marine Division’s Eleventh Marine Artillery Regiment from January 1951 to February 1952. Upon his return he played a season of Marine Corps Football at Camp LeJeune. After an honorable discharged in 1954 he attended and graduated from Tennessee Temple University in1960. He went on to Dallas Theological Seminary for one year and graduated from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in 1964. He returned to Miami an associate pastor and Christian school teacher. This was followed by pastorates in New Mexico and Texas. Jim and Mary now live in Whitney, Texas, where he continues to minister. They have three children, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren

***** Rees Phenix, Class of 1951 *****

Rees “Smiles” Phenix graduated from Miami High in 1951. He wore number 41 as a center and linebacker on the 1949 and 1950 Miami High football teams. Those teams won twelve games, lost four and tied two. They out scored their opponents 338 to 200, and won the City and State Championships in 1950. More than half of their games were against out-of-state opponents. Rees’ most memorable game was against Sydney Lanier High of Macon, Georgia, the top ranked school in the state. The Stings won handily 20 to 7. For his effort Rees was named to the Miami News All Star Team. Rees Phenix was a leader on and off the field. He was Junior Class President and member of Key Club, Zenith, and Hi-Y service clubs, and the National Honor Society for two years in each. As an all around outstanding student he earned the City of Miami Chamber of Commerce Award. He earned a football scholarship to Georgia Tech where he played in two major bowl games. The Yellow Jackets won the 1953 Sugar Bowl defeating Ole Miss 24-7 and won the 1954 Cotton Bowl defeating West Virginia 42-19. Rees was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers to play professional football, but instead he joined the U.S. Air Force in which he flew as a pilot for four years. After leaving the service he flew for Delta Airlines for 33 years. Retired in 1993 Rees and his wife Frances live in Clayton, Georgia. They have three children and 4 grandchildren.

***** Max Spiegelman, Class of 1953 *****

A member of the Miami High Class of 1953 Max Spiegelman played guard and linebacker in 1951 and 1952. His jersey bore number 29. During those seasons the team won fifteen games, lost two and tied two. They outscored opponents 433 to 151. Max was named the honorary captain for the Edison Homecoming Game of 1952. His most memorable game was a lineman’s dream. He scored a touch down against Jackson in 1952 to claim a 21 to 19 win. For his efforts Miami High awarded him the Most Improved Lineman Trophy in 1952. He was named to both the Miami Herald and Miami News All Star Teams. Max was a well rounded student athlete. He ran track in 1953. He was a Wheel Club Member in 1952 & 1953, and member the National Honor Society in 1953. Max was voted Senior Class Vice President. The MIAHI picked him as one of its Superlative Seniors. Miami High football instilled a competitive desire and work ethic that has carried him throughout his life. Max was offered football scholarships to the University of Florida and Notre Dame but chose to follow a scholastic career. Max graduated from University of Miami Law School in 1959. Following law school Max practiced as an attorney in Miami for 46 years. He eventually partnered with his brother to form the law firm of Spiegelman and Spiegelman. Max and his wife Gail live in Miami. They have three sons and eight grandchildren.

***** Gary Freeman, Class of 1955 *****

In the Miami High Class of 1955 was Gary Freeman. He played offensive and defensive tackle wearing Number 45 on his midnight blue jersey. In the 1953 and 1954 seasons in which he played the team won thirteen games, lost six and tied one, outscoring opponents 331 to 180. The 1954 squad were City and State Champions. Gary was honorary captain for two games in 1954 season. For his efforts he was named to both the Miami Herald and Miami News All Star Teams. Gary’s most memorable game was the 1954 Edison Homecoming Game for the State Championship that Miami won 6 to 0. Gary threw the shot on the track team in 1954 and 1955. In 1955 he was regional shot put champion and ranked fourth in the State. He was a Wheel Club member in 1954. Gary earned a Football Scholarship to the University of Miami where he continued to put the shot. He was an officer in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps retiring with the rank of Captain. Football at Miami High provided Gary with many great friendships, a strong work ethic and the opportunity to attend college.

***** Bob Menzel, Class of 1957 *****

Bob “Buddy” Menzel was a member of the Miami High graduating class of 1957. Starting at fullback and linebacker during the 1955 and 1956 seasons, he wore number 3 on his jersey. He was witness to change of head coach from Charlie Tate to Otis Mooney. It was Tate who gave him the nickname, “Buddy”. In those seasons the team won sixteen games, lost three and tied one. They outscored their opponents 432 to 123, winning City and State Championships in both years. His most memorable game personally was the second game of the 1955 season against Orlando Edgewater. He was the second leading rusher with 77 yards and scored a touchdown, clinching the starting position at fullback. His most memorable play was a draw play against West Palm Beach in 1956 on fourth down and 11 at the 15 yard line. He gained 13 yards and kept the drive alive at the 2 yard line. Fred Kepler scored the winning touchdown on the next play. For his play Bob was awarded the Dr. Tom Jones Best Blocker Trophy and given Honorable Mention on the All State Team. An active student, he was a member of the Zenith Service Club in 1956, president of the Gridmen in 1956, member of Wheel Club in 1956 and its president in 1957. He attended Boy’s State the summer of his junior year. He was chosen Little Man, sweetheart of the Little Women’s service club and was named to the MIAHI Hall Fame in 1957 Bob was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Florida but was unable to play after a shoulder injury during his freshman year. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He married his Miami High sweetheart, Marybelle Proctor, and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1962 serving mostly in aero-space missions. He completed post graduate studies at the Air War College. After 21 years of service he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Bob now works Launch Integration Manager at Lockheed Martin. Bob and Marybelle live in Litteton, Colorado. They have three sons and eight grandchildren.

***** Ronnie Prickett, Class of 1958 *****

Ronnie Prickett graduated from Miami High in 1958. Wearing Number 41 he played guard and linebacker for the Stingaree teams of 1956 and 1957. Their record was thirteen wins, three loses and two ties. They outscored opponents by an incredible 502 to 125. In 1956 Gables beat Miami High early in the season 20 to13. It was the first loss by a Miami High team to Gables. Edison subsequently beat Gables and the Stings beat Edison. That gave Miami High the City Championship and paved the way to the post-season Kiwanis Game against Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Stings won handily 20-12 to earn the title of State Champions. Charlie Tate named Ronnie among his “P-boys”: Pricket, Pickett, Peacon and Paris, his standout linemen. For his efforts Ronnie was named to the Miami Herald All-City Team and All-State Teams of 1957. Ronnie was a leader off the field as well. He was a Wheel Club member in 1957 and its president in 1958. He was also named Gems Gentlemen in 1958. Ronnie earned a football scholarship to Florida State University. An injury ended his football career and he returned home to the family business. In 1960 he joined the City of Miami Fire Department. After 30 years of service Ronnie retired in 1990 looking forward to a new a life of leisure. At his retirement physical Ronnie was diagnosed with Lou Gering’s Disease. His form of the disease was a rapidly progressive form. He died within a year. Always the tough guy Ronnie would not give in to the disease and arranged to fight on even after the end by willing his body to medical research in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Ronnie is survived by his mother, brother Wayne, wife Laura, son Derrick and daughter Kami.

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From the 1960s Classes

***** George Nowicki, Class of 1960 *****

George Nowicki of the Miami High Class of 1960 wore number 86 on his jersey as he played offensive and defensive end for the 1958 and 1959 football seasons. During those seasons the team won sixteen games, lost two and tied two; outscoring opponents 527 to 138. In 1958 the Stings won the City and State Championships in a 20 to 0 win over Coral Gables in the Police Benevolence Association post-season game. This was sweet revenge for the earlier lost to the Cavaliers by a single point in the regular season. George’s most memorable game was his first varsity reception as a junior against Vero Beach that resulted in a 52 yard touchdown. His second reception that season likewise went for a 48 yard touchdown against Pompano. That year Key West High fielded George Mira as quarterback and Boog Powell as a defensive tackle. Even so, the Stings won 19 to 7. His play was partially curtailed his senior year by a broken hand. He was a double threat athlete playing on the 1959 and 1960 varsity basketball teams. In 1959 the Stings went all the way to the state championship basketball game but lost to Hillsborough High of Tampa, giving up a game long lead in the last 3 minutes. A popular student he was selected as Pep Doll, sweetheart of the girls Pep Club service organization. His outstanding play at Miami High earned him a football scholarship to the University of Georgia where he played five years including a red-shirt freshman year. He lettered as offensive end for three years. He was named First Team Academic All Southeastern Conference and Honorable Mention Academic All American in 1964. Graduating in 1965 with Bachelors of Arts Degree in History he took an ROTC commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Intelligence Branch. After completing Airborne School at Fort Benning he served tours in the Dominican Republic and in Vietnam. In Vietnam he served with the Army advisory team at DaNang (I Corps) and Quang Ngai (ARVN 2nd Division Headquarters). After leaving the Army at the end of 1966 George worked as a special agent for the U.S. Customs Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Retired after 30 years, George and his wife Peggy now live in Miami. His son Craig is following in his father’s footsteps with the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.

***** Harry Borrelli, Class of 1961 *****

Among the graduating Class of 1961 was Harry Borrelli. He played linebacker for the Stingaree teams of 1959 and 1960. In those seasons the team won fifteen games, lost one and tied three, scoring 462 point while holding opponents to only 127. In 1960 they attained City, State & National Championships. On that team Harry was defensive captain. His most memorable game was the post season Fraternal Order of Police game against Brockton Massachusetts which they won 14 to 13, and which won them the mythical National Championship. For his efforts Harry was named to the Miami Herald All-City Team and the All-State Football Team. He worked his way through college at the University of Miami. He played soccer there, lettering three years and graduating in 1967. He has worked for the 3M Company for 34 years. This has given him an opportunity to travel extensively and live in five different countries. For the last seven years he has been a member of the 3M Management Committee, overseeing operations in South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Harry now lives on Key Biscayne.

***** Bob Kaempfer, Class of 1961 *****

Bob Kaempfer was in the graduating Class of 1961. He played on the 1959 squad and was the starting defensive end in 1960. In those seasons the team won fifteen games, lost one and tied three, outscoring opponents 462 to 127. In 1960 they earned City, State & National Championships. His most memorable game was against Jacksonville Jackson in 1960 in which he recovered a fumble for touchdown. For his efforts the Miami News chose him for its 1960 All Star Team. Another all around student he was a member of Zenith in 1961, Sergeant-at-arms of Wheel Club in 1960 and its vice president in 1961. As a senior he was saluted in the MIAHI yearbook. Bob graduated from the University of Florida. He works for an insurance firm in Miami Lakes and lives in Boca Raton with his wife of 38 years. They have three children and 5 grandchildren.

***** Fred Schwabe, Class of 1961 *****

Fred Schwabe was also in the Class 1961. A speedster he played defensive back and special teams for the 1959 and 1960 seasons. In those seasons the team won fifteen games, lost one and tied three, outscoring opponents 462 to 127. In 1960 they earned City, State & National Championships. His most memorable game was the 1960 game against Coral Gables. He returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown that was called back for clipping, leaving the game tied 13 to 13. For his efforts he was named to the Miami Herald All-City Football Team in 1959 and to the Miami News All-City Football Team in 1960. Fred also ran track as a sprinter in 1959, 1960 and 1961. Miami High named him Most Valuable Track Team Member in 1961. He was named to the All-City Track Teams of 1960 and 1961. He was an all around student as well as athlete. He was a Key Club member in 1959, 1960 and 1961; a Zenith member in 1960 and its president in 1961. He attended Boy’s State the summer of his junior year. The MIAHI chose him to its Hall of Fame, and the Honoria girl’s service club chose him as their Honoria Honey in 1961. Perhaps his biggest honor was marrying his Miami High sweetheart, majorette, Barbara Tiger. Fred accepted a track scholarship to the University of Miami. He owns his own business, Fred Schwabe and Associates in Tampa where he and Barbara now live.

***** Dan Hogan, Class of 1962 *****

Dan Hogan graduated in 1962 wearing number 56 on his jersey. He was the starting linebacker on 1960 and 1961 teams. Their record was sixteen wins, one loss and three ties, outscoring opponents 402 to 118. The 1960 team was City, State and National Champions. For his play as a junior on that team Dan was named to the Miami News All-Star Second Team. The 1961 team of which Dan was defensive captain was one of Miami High’s best looking for a repeat of the National Championship. Dan was made honorary team captain against Jackson. Then late in the season came the unexpected and heartbreaking 6 to 7 loss to Lakeland. Coach Mooney inspired the team to come back against a favored Miami Edison to win 14 to 0, as chronicled in the Time Life Documentary Film, “Mooney versus Fowle”. The team went on to win the Fraternal Order of Police post season game against Everett High of Massachusetts 13 to 12 and earned City and Big Ten Championships. For his senior year efforts he was named to the Miami Herald All-City Team and given honorable Mention on the All-State Team. Asked about his most memorable game, he replied, “All of the games. We won them all.” Miami High football taught Dan to be a team player and how to respect the accomplishments of my fellow players. Dan was a triple threat athlete, running track in 1960 and playing baseball in 1961 and 1962. He was also quite an active student. He attended Boy’s State in the summer of his junior year. He was a three year member of Key Club and a 1961 member of Zenith. The Honoria girl’s service club chose him as their Honoria Honey and he was saluted in the MIAHI in 1962. He was offered a football scholarship to the University of Georgia. Dan has two children, two step-children and two grandchildren. He and his wife Lisa live in Pembroke Pines.