Westerner Chooses Five Top
West Athletes

(Editor's note: As is traditional at Maine West, the Westerner sports staff has again selected "Five outstanding Athletes" to receive special recognition for their performances during the past few years. Each has in some way contributed something. outstanding to the teams he has played on. The five have been selected arbitrarily, for there were many, many good performances turned in. But these five represent the best in Maine West sports. - L. L.)

Ray Leonardson

The football, wrestling, and track teams have all been thankful for the services of Ray Leonardson. In football, Ray was the Warrior's leading scorer and ground gainer and at the end of the season was elected the team's most valuable player.

After football season, Ray became a valuable member of Coach Carlini's matmen. He lettered in this sport as a junior and repeated again this year.

Track, however, seems to be Ray's best sport, as he lettered in track in his sophomore year. The past two track seasons have found Ray participating in the 100‑yard, 220‑yard, and 440‑yard dashes. He also ran on the 880‑yard and mile relay teams. While at Maine West Ray has earned a total of seven letters, more than any other M‑club member.

Bob Lorentz

One of the busiest athletes around Maine West has been Bob Lorentz. Bob has competed in football, basketball and baseball during his four years at Maine. He gained his numerals in all three sports as a sophomore and in his junior year received his letter.

Last football season, although somewhat hampered by injury, Bob proved to be a valuable asset to the varsity gridmen.

During basketball season, Mr. Freeman found Bob to be a steady and reliable player. This spring when Coach Carstens counted noses, he found Bob present for the second straight year.

Vic Oakley

For the past two years, Vic Oakley has been a 'leader on Maine West's varsity cross country and track teams. Starting out by earning his numerals in sophomore track, Vic went on to gain his letter in both track and cross‑country as a junior.

This year Vic started out in fine fashion in cross country by being elected most valuable runner. He led the team to the Interim Conference championship. He was also an outstanding member of this year's varsity track team. He was on the mile relay team which competed in the State meet at Champaign






Bill Downing

Bill Downing, alias "Willie," has sparked West's gymnastic squad since his sophomore year Under the auspices of Coach Sid Drain, Bill has developed into one of the most outstanding tumblers in the state. In his Junior year he was among the top 15 tumblers in the state, and this year in the state meet at Willowbrook Bill finished third In both his junior and senior years his cohorts choose him as the team's most valuable player








Rick Warnicke

Although he is only five feet, eight inches tall, Rick Warnicke, was one of Coach Freeman’s most valuable hoopsters during the past two seasons. Besides being selected as the team captain, Rick also made Honorable Mention in Interim League honors.

The "Weasel", as he is better known, was also a regular centerfielder on West's baseball team for the past two seasons, where his outstanding defensive play and hitting greatly aided the Warriors.