Dake It or Leave It

HOME: Pitman, New Jersey

COLLEGE: Rider College '52; M.A.T., Temple University: Ph.D., Temple.

AGE: 41

COACHING BACKGROUND: Gamble's infectious enthusiasm got its first outlet in the direction of coaching football in 1954 when he went to Clayton (N.J.) High School. The plague ended four years later when mosied on south to Audubon (N.J.) leaving the Clayton community the sweet memories of two victories in those four seasons, both of them over Audubon High. He spent the next four years spreading cheer among the Audubon population and in fact in 1960 he was nominated for "South Jersey Coach of the Year" honors, largely on the strength of his squad's 0-0 tie against Clayton. Finally on the wing out of Audubon, Gamble stopped for four years again, this time as an assistant coach at Penn under former Quaker mentors John Stiegman and Bob Odell. Alas, he was growing tired of this four years and a cloud pink slips garbage, so he headed off to Lafayette College. This time he lasted with his new team, the Leopards, only two years. But it was here where his fame started to germinate. At Lafayette, he won as many games in his two years as the Leopards had managed in their previous four--one. The lone victory was achieved on a sudden-death field goal in an exhibition game against a combined unit from Clayton and Audobon. He is the first to admit that his accomplishment at Lafayette was "a dubious achievement at best." He has been at Penn for two seasons now.

HOBBIES: Pilot, author-teacher, and healer of the sick. Perhaps, Gamble's favorite form of relaxation is flying which he frequently enjoys with his wife, Joan, and their children Harry "The Hat", 12, and Thomas "The Tank", three months. As an author-teacher Gamble has distinguished himself in his field as one of the top names in jock literature. His book entitled Physical. Intellectual, and Architectural Balance in the Locker Room has given him the acclaim he deserves and leaves him only second to Yovicsin as the top physical fitness authority east of the Mississippi. As a healer of the sick. Gamble's unbridled energy may unfortunately prove his downfall. He has prescribed so many faulty home remedies to injured players that they are starting to lose faith in his power. In fact, as quarterback Tom Pinto said last week, "We've got so many injuries it's unbelievable. Don't tell Harry, but, as of right now, I'd say our team is one of the best commercials going for the practical merits of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

FAVORITE DRINK: The Quacking Quaker (Cribari Cold Duck, Quaker Oatmeal a dash of Scrapple, and a Nabisco Graham cracker).