Saturday, November 29, 2008

David Carey Dupree (BHS 66) Dies Suddenly


From the Burbank Leader:

David Carey Dupree, Burbank native was born November 13, 1947, died October 29, 2008 in Tarzana, California. He was 61.

He is survived by his sister, Kathleen E. Depree (BHS 67), and brother, Richard Lee Bowen.

He was the son of the late Donald E. Depree and Lois Stiles Dupree, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1966.

Mistakes derail Burbank in playoffs


FOOTBALL: Locals unable to win second- round CIF game against West Covina at Memorial Field, 49-28.
By Jeff Tully
Saturday, November 29, 2008

MEMORIAL FIELD — The Burbank High football team was trying to notch its second straight stunning postseason victory in as many weeks.For more than three quarters Friday, it looked as if the Bulldogs were well on their way to accomplishing that monumental feat. However, turnovers and penalties finally caught up to Burbank in the fourth quarter, as West Covina scored 28 unanswered points late in the game to earn a 49-28 CIF Southern Section Southeast Division quarterfinal win at Memorial Field.

Burbank (6-6) was attempting to reach the semifinals for only the second time in school history. It was also trying to build on a 20-14 first-round win last week against No. 2-seeded Santa Fe. That was the first playoff win for the program in 81 years.“What these kids have been able to do this season has forever changed the face of our program,” said Burbank Coach Ted Amorosi, whose squad placed fourth in the Pacific League and had to win a coin flip to even get into the postseason. “I just want to really thank all of our seniors.”
Amorosi said he is proud of what his team has been able to overcome throughout the season.“They can really hold their heads up,” he said. “They never gave up and they never said die. They were able to make it through some tough times, when things got rough for us this season.”

At times against West Covina (10-2) — the runner-up in the San Antonio League — Burbank was its own worst enemy. Along with committing four turnovers, it also was whistled for 19 penalties that went for 127 yards.“Penalties and turnovers, that’s what killed us,” Amorosi said.Burbank was actually leading early in the fourth quarter. After Leo Rodas scampered for a 21-yard touchdown, the locals had a 28-21 advantage with 11:34 left.However, on the next possession, West Covina’s Jon Hernandez found the endzone on a 26-yard touchdown run and the score was tied at 28 with 10:03 remaining.

After another West Covina score, Burbank, trailing, 35-28, tried to drive the ball down the field. However, the Bulldogs fumbled the ball on their own 45-yard line, giving up possession.West Covina was able to score touchdowns on its last four possessions in the fourth quarter. With Burbank unable to move the ball, West Covina, paced by running back Ricky Johnson, began to pour it on.The locals had no answer for Johnson, who rushed for 218 yards in 23 carries and had touchdown runs of 10, 50 and 70 yards.

Although the field was muddy from the recent rains and players had trouble with their footing all game, the conditions didn’t seem to bother Johnson.“We’ve played on a few grass fields this season, but nothing this bad,” Johnson said. “I just told myself that I had to battle through it and do all that I can.”

The Burbank offense was led by senior wide receiver Cody Cardenaz, who had 14 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown.Burbank was able to score first with 7:02 left in the first quarter on a six-yard run by Nate Galles.After West Covina came back to take a 21-14 lead, the locals tied the score with 7:31 left in the third quarter on a one-yard plunge by quarterback Kevin Hunter.“I take my hat off to West Covina, that’s a very good football team,” Amorosi said.

I Attended Bill Rudell's Memorial Service


While everyone was out shopping on Black Friday, I attended the memorial services for BHS 1957 grad Bill Rudell. I knew Bill as a family man and loving husband to Jackie BHS 1957 and her three children from her first marriage to Lee Wessel BHS 1955. Lee Wessel brother Larry Wessel BHS 1959 married my sister Sandy BHS 1959. When Lee and Jackie divorced Jackie reconnected with Bill Rudell at one of her high school reunions. Bill and Jackie were married and he had an instant family. My mom and I would attend many family gatherings with the Wessel's and their families at many Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bill was like a little kid and always entertaining the small kids at this gatherings.

The church was filled with many people who worked or were his friends. The Ambassador to Botswana was their and spoke a few words. I beleive Bill was cremated but not sure. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Bill Rudell BHS57 dies at 69

William "Bill" Rudell and his wife Jackie Mullins Wessel Rudell

The attorney began serving on the City Council in 1973, then later led Bob Hope Airport for seven years.
By Jeremy Oberstein, Burbank Leader

Former Mayor William B. Rudell, who led the city and Bob Hope Airport through some of its most formative changes, died in his Burbank home Thursday. He was 69.Rudell’s cause of death was not known Friday, but he was pronounced dead at his hillside house on the 1700 block of Rudell Drive, named after him years earlier, police said.An attorney by trade, Rudell was first elected to the City Council in 1973, serving as the city’s mayor for two years before leading the airport for seven years.His five years on the council resulted in a number of developments that raised the standard of living in Burbank and increased protection for the city’s hillside community, said Vincent Stefano, 69, a former Burbank two-term mayor who served with Rudell.“He was a great guy,” Stefano said. “He was very bright, meticulous and just a pretty good guy. His passing is a great loss certainly to Burbank, but also to lots of people who were his friends and his enemies.

He was respected by both friends and enemies.”Rudell was born in 1939. He graduated from Burbank High School before finishing Princeton University near the top of his class in 1961 and enrolling in Yale Law School, which he completed in 1965. Rudell returned to California, was admitted to the state bar in 1969 and immediately flexed his civic muscle, first as a Planning Board member in 1970, then its chairman.After his election to the council in 1973, a race that Stefano remembers fondly, Rudell helped lead the council by supporting or helping to pass a number of significant measures.He was instrumental in acquiring federal revenue-sharing funds to protect Burbank’s hillside community and helped institute the city’s first paramedic services.

Rudell, along with other members of the council, also tried to forge a sense of modernity in Burbank, said Leland C. Ayers, a former mayor and airport commissioner.“We sort of decided to make some changes to Burbank that would bring it into the 21st century,” Ayers said.Those changes included approving a slew of new high-rise office buildings, redeveloping downtown and instituting the Media City Center, still thriving today.“I think he’s certainly a loss to the city,” said Ayers, 75. “He was one of the strongest councilmen and mayors I came across while on the City Council. I respected him a great deal.”But Rudell’s biggest contribution, friends and city officials said, was in helping to pass the joint powers agreement between Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena — three cities that assumed control of Bob Hope Airport in the late 1970s.

As an attorney, Rudell drafted many of the legal documents and helped secure federal money from transportation agencies in Washington, D.C., that were imperative in forming the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Authority.Rudell resigned from the council in 1977 to serve as one of the original nine authority commissioners, acting as president of the group from 1978 to 1985, according to airport records.At a time when the airport was forefront on resident’s minds, Rudell was a vital figure in Burbank, airport spokesman Victor Gill said.A 1976 measure asking voters whether Burbank should help run the airport drew more than 87% of residents to the polls, with 27,000 of the 40,000 votes cast in support of the referendum, Gill said.“It was as much a mandate as you can get,” he said. “The airport was a huge issue of the day, and he was absolutely a central player.”His last three years on the authority, from 1982 to 1985, coincided with his time as Burbank city attorney.

In 1985, Rudell joined Richards, Watson & Gershon where he spent the last 23 years of his professional life working on the legal ramifications inherent in telecommunications, land-use and transportation issues for nearly a dozen cities in Southern California, said Larry Wiener, the firm’s president.Immediately after joining the company, Rudell was primarily involved in providing legal services to the cities of Carson, South El Monte, Avalon, Artesia, Seal Beach and Rancho Palos Verdes, according to his firm’s biography.Drawing on his experience as Burbank’s top lawyer, Rudell then served as a city attorney for Palmdale, South Gate and Lynwood and as interim city attorney for Hidden Hills.

Rudell was also an active member of the Los Angeles Consular Corps and served for 37 years as the Consul of the Republic of Botswana.“Bill was a valued colleague and friend,” Wiener said. “He’s worked with the firm for many years and was well respected for many years for his gentlemanly manner and legal skills.”

Rudell is survived by his wife, Jacquie Rudell.A private service will be held next week at Forest Lawn in Glendale. A public viewing has not been set.

Burbank Pulls Off CIF Feat!

FOOTBALL: Bulldogs pick up stunning 20-14 upset playoff road victory against Santa Fe.
By Charles Rich
Burbank Leader, Saturday, November 22, 2008


WHITTIER — Those 80-plus years of not making the playoffs, or losing in the first round, no longer matter.Simply put, these aren’t your grandfather’s Burbank High Bulldogs. Or your father’s. Or even your older brother’s.Burbank’s football squad kicked aside decades of frustration in a large way Friday night, as it recorded a stunning 20-14 road victory against second-seeded Santa Fe in a CIF Southern Section Southeast Division contest at Pioneer High.According to Burbank High Athletic Director Fred Cook, it marked the first time the Bulldogs (6-5) won a varsity postseason game since 1927.Burbank, which finished fourth in the Pacific League this season, got a four-yard touchdown from senior running back Nate Galles with 6:03 left in the fourth quarter to prolong the Bulldogs’ playoff stay.

Burbank turned aside a couple of late drives by Santa Fe (9-2) to set up a second-round game against West Covina on Friday at Memorial Field.“We talked back in July that we wanted to change the face of the program,” said Burbank second-year Coach Ted Amorosi, who saw linebackers Leo Rodas and William Ortega each recover a fumble for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter before a 70-yard touchdown pass by Santa Fe was called back because of an illegal procedure infraction with no time remaining.

“I told them that we will be in the playoffs, and there will be nothing better than being able to practice come Thanksgiving.“Our kids and my assistants worked their [butts] off. We were horrible in our game last week [against Burroughs], and we were able to come back here.”

Burbank, making its first playoff appearance in two seasons, didn’t seem fazed or intimidated against a squad that captured the Del Rio League championship.Sure, the Bulldogs made a couple of mistakes, but those miscues didn’t hinder Amorosi’s team.Burbank took a 6-0 lead on a nine-yard touchdown run by junior running back Sam Bethany to cap a 12-yard drive with 6:32 left in the first quarter. However, the Bulldogs missed on the extra-point attempt.

The Chiefs grabbed a 7-6 lead on a one-yard run by Jonathan Pinedo with 6:31 remaining in the second quarter. Pinedo then scored on a seven-yard run to extend Santa Fe’s lead to 14-6 with 2:26 left in the first half.The Bulldogs knotted the game with 28.5 seconds remaining in the second quarter on a three-yard run by Bethany and a successful two-point conversion on a pass from reserve sophomore quarterback Adam Colman to Galles.Burbank stopped the Chiefs on a fourth down and two on the Burbank 10-yard line with 7:46 remaining in the game. A Bethany 58-yard run on the ensuing play eventually set up Burbank’s winning score.“I came in thinking that my line would give me some good blocks,” said Bethany, who rushed for 132 yards in 19 carries. “We were able to execute against them.“It hasn’t sunk in yet that we won. I didn’t have any plans for Thanksgiving, but we get to practice. That’s something I haven’t done before.”

Burbank lost starting quarterback Kevin Hunter to an apparent concussion in the second quarter and didn’t return. Colman completed four of six passes for 73 yards.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Marvin Paul Bennett BHS 1944 Passes Away

RED BLUFF - Marvin Paul Bennett was born in Silvis, IL, February 4, 1926; he went home to be with the Lord on November 4, 2008 at his home in Red Bluff, CA. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, CA. After graduating from high school in Burbank, he joined the Navy and served in World War II for four years and later two years in the Korean War. After his discharge from the service, Marvin moved to Red Bluff and began his 42 year career with Pacific Gas & Electric Company. He started in the Accounting Department and retired as a New Business Representative in Anderson, CA. In 1952 Marvin married Jeannine Hatfield and in 1964, they moved their family to Anderson where he started a new job position with P.G.& E. They lived in Anderson until 2007 and then moved back to Red Bluff to be closer to family. Through the years, Marvin was very active in the Anderson city government, serving for many years on the City Council which included 14 years as Mayor of Anderson. He also served on the Anderson Fire Board for 33 years and the Anderson Mosquito Abatement District for 20 years. He also served on LAFCO and was active in many local service organizations. Marvin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeannine of Red Bluff; son, Orin and Clare Bennett, Orangevale, CA; daughter, Pamela and Mike Lindsay, Corning, CA; grandchildren, Todd and Amy Bennett, Copenhagen, Denmark; Stacy Bennett, Sacramento, CA; Alicia and Darren Naiman, Fair Oaks, CA; great-grandchildren, Parker and Nicholas Naiman, Fair Oaks, CA. Brother, Jim and Geri Bennett, Redding, CA. Private services are planned for a later date, with burial at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, Igo, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Marvin's name be made to the Anderson Fire Department. Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com/

BHS Grads Lose Homes in California Wildfires

Hi! everyone! I just received this from Pam Kirkwood who does the BHS Loop and two Burbank High Grads sisters from Class of 64 and Class of 65 lost their home in the California Wildfire that hit Slymar and destroyed the mobile home park they lived in. They lost everything.

Hi there Loopers...
We would imagine you are all making ready for next week's Thanksgiving Holidays...We would ask you to remember all of those who have lost so much in last weekend's devistating fires here in Southern California.
Specifically, we have 2 classmates who lost their entire home in a matter of minutes last Saturday night. Cheryl Dibble BHS '64 and her sister Pam Dibble '65 lived at the Mobile Home Park in Sylmar that was almost totally destroyed...Pam and Cheryl got out with only the clothes on their backs, their pets and a couple of important items. Everything is GONE!
I just talked to Cher this morning. They are temporarily staying with an old friend from High School, Phill Hayes '65...Cher related to me the horrors of Saturday night...What a nightmare for all...They will probably be going back tomorrow to sift through the rubble and ashes...
I told her that in these times, we all have to help each other. She said that "prayers" were what they needed most and I told her that went without question. I told her that I would alert the "Loop" and we would see what happens.
Cher was able to buy some clothes and the insurance company told her to keep all of her receipts...We are thinking that probably the most useful things to help them get back on their feet would either be cash donations or gift cards...If any of you feel you can help, please send your donations to:

Cheryl and Pam Dibble
c/o Phill Hays
26588 Shakespeare Lane
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

Cher can be reached on her cell phone:
(818) 205-5876

They managed to get their laptop out when they evacuated and can receive email at
cwolf11@ca.rr.com
Not sure how often they check it, as they are still pretty much in shock and are busy contacting insurance companies and figuring out what to do next.

Thank you for your prayers and any help you might be able to give, Loopers...

Take care and a Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours...

Love, Pam and Jon

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Burbank JV's lose heartbreaker 22-21

The Burbank High Junior Varsity lost a heatbreaking game to Burroughs 22 - 21. Burbank lead the whole game and blew a 21 to 7 lead when Burroughs scored with a miniute and a half and made a two point conversion to win the game.
Red Indians vs Blue Bulldogs

Burbank carries the ball.


A Burbank player gets tackled.




Halftime,Homecoming,Band,Fireworks

At the end of the game all senior players were honored and had a photo op with their parents.


The Burbank Marching Band was right acroos the aile from me so it was pretty noisy at times but also entertaining.

Some of the band members.



Drums and horns trying to spark the crowd and the team.




Burbank High School Homecoming King and Queen, Alex Abbasi and Elizabeth Johnston.






They had a fireworks show.







More fireworks as band members look on.








Burbank High Cheerleaders riding on a Burbank City Truck.









The cheerleaders riding in parade on a city truck.










The Burbank High School Bulldog Mascots.











The Burbank Band played at the JV halftime while Burroughs Band played at the varsity halftime.












BHS 100














BULLDOGS LOSE 58 - 22

The Burbank High Varsity Football team lost to crosstown Burroughs 58 - 22 for the fourth straight season.

It was already 37 - 0 at the half. Burbank was never really in the game.


Coin Toss to start the game.



The photos are not real good as any movement it blurry as with flash too dark.




The Burbank High sidelines.





Dejected Bulldogs as Burroughs scores again.






Burbank High quarterback waiting for the snap. At least the freshman team won 14 - 7 and are Pacific League Champs. They played on Thursday night.








Thursday, November 13, 2008

Meet the BHS Football Coaches

GO BULLDOGS !

Click on pictures for a larger view.






Meet BHS Cheerleaders & Marching Band

Click on the pictures for a larger view.





Meet the Burbank High Varsity

Click on pictures to see a larger view.


















Meet the BHS Junior Varsity

Click on pictures for a larger view.














Meet the BHS Freshman

Click on the pictures for a larger view.










Bidding a fond Farewell

Bidding a fond farewell

By JEFF TULLY-Burbank Leader
Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

It has served as a field of dreams for many football players and coaches for six decades. It has also been a place where more than a few nightmares were realized.Since the 1940s, Memorial Field on the campus of Burroughs High has served as the home venue for the Indians, as well as Burbank High. In recent years, even Bellarmine-Jefferson has called its cozy confines home.Every November, the field is also the site of the ongoing cross-town rivalry contest between the two schools.


The “Big Game’ traditionally draws huge crowds and it’s often the biggest game of the year.When the Indians and Bulldogs players step onto the field for Friday’s rivalry game, they will be the last group to take part in a Big Game contest at the old facility.Following the season, the field is scheduled to be torn down and a new venue erected in its place.It will mark the beginning of a new era, and unfortunately, the end of another.

The Big Game has provided countless thrilling memories and magical moments. Over the years, athletes have played in driving rainstorms, had to battle fierce winds and had to contend with ankle-deep mud.Once, after days of heavy rain, a helicopter was called in to hover low over the field to dry it out.Although the field has seen its share of glory, the old lady has not held up well over the decades. The stadium stands are weathered, the press box is outdated and the field itself is in bad shape.However, before the old girl is laid to rest, she deserves one last salute — a salute to the Big Games over the last 60 years.

It started in 1949, when All-American Paul Cemeron and Pere LiPera — who would later become the Burbank coach — led the Bulldogs to a 12-7 win against Burroughs, which had been converted from a junior high.The Indians got revenge the next year, however, as Louis Elias waded through “Lake Memorial” on a 41-yard carry for the game’s only score, as the Indians won, 6-0.Burroughs was also victorious in 1959, defeating a depleted Burbank squad, 19-0. The Bulldogs had to play with mostly junior varsity players after 19 varsity athletes were suspended for taking part in an egging incident on the Burroughs campus.In one of the biggest upsets of the series, the Indians came into the 1967 game undefeated. However, 173 yards passing by Dale Cirscione and an 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Randy Ivie — who took so long running the ball back the fans could have visited the snack stand and still made it back in time — paced Burbank to a 20-19 win.

With a Foothill League championship on the line, Kenny Walker scored two touchdowns and quarterback Leo Orange piloted the Burbank offense in a 14-0 win against the Indians in the 1972 contest.Burroughs got its revenge in the next three games, however, shutting out Burbank three straight years — 6-0 in 1973, 36-0 in 1974 and 40-0 in 1975.George Florez emerged as the star of the 1976 game, as he kicked a 41-yard field goal as time ran out to give Burbank a 17-14 win.Playing for their fourth consecutive Foothill League title, the Indians got a scare in 1980 and had to work for a 25-17 victory. Burroughs was led by the successful running back duo of Edgar Penaranda and Rick Williams.The Indians were driving to win the 1991 game with less than two minutes remaining when Bulldogs Mike Lyneis intercepted a pass at his own 15-yard line to seal a 14-12 win for Burbank.

Things got ugly in the 1995 game when the contest was halted with 3:21 remaining after the two teams were involved in a brawl. Paced by quarterback J.K. Scott and receiver Glenn Adriatico, Burroughs ended up winning the contest, 21-0.In the 50th-year anniversary game in 1998, Burroughs quarterback Joe Kroells passed for 280 yards and four touchdowns and receiver Kyle Cremarosa amassed 223 yards and three touchdowns to lift the Indians to a 26-21 win.

With Burroughs winning the 10 previous Big Games, quarterback Mike McDonald hooked up with Jesse Ayers on an 11-yard touchdown pass with 3:28 to play for the game-winning score in the 2003 game, giving Burbank a 24-18 win.Perhaps more of that Big Game magic will be on display in Friday’s contest, as the locals take part in the 60th meeting.In its 60 years, Memorial Field has definitely seen its share of great moments.

Although it’s time to say good-bye to the facility that has served its teams well for decades, the memories that have been created over the years will always remain.

THE BIG GAME!



Tonight Thursday at 6:00 p.m. kicks off with the Burbank High Freshman game against our crosstown rival Burroughs at Memorial Field. Tomorrow night the Junior Varsity plays at 4:00 p.m. and the Varsity plays at 7:30 p.m. Also the Homecoming Parade will be tomorrow as they leave BHS and march to Memorial Field. This is the last time as next year both BHS and JBHS all their football games will be played outside of Burbank as they add the artifical grass to both schools.

Burbank Veterans Day Ceremony

On Tuesday November 11, 2008 I attended the City of Burbank's Veterans Day Ceremony at MCCambridge Park War Memorial hosted by 1964 Burbank High School grad Mickey DePalo.Kindergartners from St. Robert Bellarmine singing the National Anthem.
The St. Robert Bellermine Kindergartners also sang God Bless America.


They really put their heart and soul into the song and were just the cutest thing.
AH! To be so young!


The Keynote Speaker was a JBHS grad Dr. Michael Gauron, Lt. Col.,USAF

Pat Walmisley sang America the Beautiful.

Anjanette McFarlin played Amazing Grace on the Bagpipes.

Burbank High grads Scott Cappiello '59 and his wife Gladys, Jon & Pam Kirkwood 1964

BHS grads Catherine Nicholls 1938, Cathy Coyle 1967 with granddaughter &
Joan Taylor Chandler, Class of 1957.