Bobby Leo Captures Lowe Award As Best New England Footballer

The Boston Gridiron Club had the last rave about Bobby Leo's fantastic varsity career when it selected the Harvard halfback as the 1966 recipient of the George Bolger Lowe Award Saturday.

The Award, given annually to New England's outstanding college football player, is generally considered to be the greatest sectional honor a New England collegian can receive.

Leo is the fourth Harvard player to receive the Lowe Award. All-American guard Endicott Peabody was the first, in 1941. Halfback Dick Clasby, who still despite Leo holds most of Harvard's rushing records, was honored in 1952. Half-back Chet Boulris, who won the award in 1959, was the last Crimson recipient before Leo.

Now a Pro

Last year the Award went to Brown quarterback Bob Hall, who is now with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.

Leo led Harvard's nation-pacing ground game with $27 yards gained in 130 carries, for a 6.4 average. He was the number three receiver in the Crimson's new-found passing attack. His nine receptions for 101 yards placed him behind regular ends Carter Lord and Joe Cook.

Equally dangerous on the other end of the aerial game, Leo completed four of eight halfback option passes.

Great Fair Catcher

Harvard's primary kick returner, Leo totalled 278 yards on 12 kickoff runbacks. He added 24 yards on five punt returns, and flawlessly contributed several fair catches.

Leo's 54 points led Harvard to its highest total since 1901, 231. His two touchdowns against Yale bracketed him with Charlie Ravenel '61 as the only Cantabridgian to tally against the Blues in all three varsity campaigns.

Leo will receive the award December 7 at a banquet sponsored by the Gridiron Club.