Injured Players Return, Yovicsin Smiling Again

Something approaching a smile barely managed to crease John Yovicsin's face last night as he herded his valiant but bandaged band of football players into Dillon Field House after practice.

Following two crisis-filled weeks the Crimson has managed to put together two good practices in a row and Yovicsin was able to say "if this keeps up we might even be ready for Lehigh Saturday." To one who had been hearing nothing but the gloomiest of reports on this year's varsity eleven such hopeful words smacked of gross folly.

But Yovicsin was not to be cowed by incredulity. He happily began reciting a list of reasons to justify his optimism.

Injured Men Return

First and foremost is the return to action of most of the 32 players who last week graced the injured list. The number includes first string right halfback Hobie Armstrong, second string right halfback Hank Hatch, and veteran left guard Ernie Zissis. Only sophomore end Paul Barringer of the top 22 remains out of commission, although guard Bill Southmayd is still playing at only half speed because of a broken left hand.

Yovicsin's second reason is that he finally has at least one line and most of a second one he can count on. As of today the Crimson will send ends Tom Stephenson and Dave Hudepohl, tackles Ed Smith and Dick Diehl, guards Charlie Kessler and Walt, Dobrzelcki, and center Brad Stephens against the Engineers Saturday.

The big question mark had been Stephens, who until last year had never even played center. But Yovicsin, who lost his three top men last season, is resting a bit easier after the junior's recent drills.

The other big question was Kessler, who after captaining the freshmen, two years ago deserted the gridiron last season for hockey and lacrosse. Kessler stopped in when Southmayd broke his hand, however, and now seems to have the right guard spot nailed down.

The second, or "white" line, is headed by Ziasis, Jeff Pochop, sophomore Neil Curtin, and two centers, Joe Minotti and Jim Beery. The end corps is strong even without Barringer, and the "white" team posts are now held by Mike Foley and sophomore Frank Ulcickas.