Was Levandowski really from Harvard?  I have a friend, Bernie McCormick, who wrote an article about Levandowski from Harvard....is that Leo? 
from M.E. DePalma, Ft. Lauderdale

Answer:

Leo was a blue collar bruiser from the 50's type..I'm not sure if he ever got his HS diploma, and I don't want to sound condescending, but we kidded him about his mannerism, and lack of sophistication..to a point !!! But you never stepped over the line or you would be in a battle with a 'pit bull', fight till you drop, never say die and never quit - kind of guy. We were always saying to one another ,'...glad he was on our side'.

The story goes... 
Before his first game at Pottstown, the announcer at the game sent someone to ask him where he went to college. Leo was looking for help, and Bruce Puterbaugh the starting Tackle beside him , whispered to him "Harvard". So the guy took this info up to the announcers booth.. And to everyone on the team awaiting to go on the field for the opening ceremonies.. a surprise announcement during introductions...OFFENSIVE GUARD LEO LEVANDOWSKI FROM HARVARD COLLEGE and the whole team busted out laughing... it was an effective way to erase the usual butterflies, tension, stress of the first game in front of our home fans. I would defer to Bruce to tell the story, but I am within a level of certainty that it is the interpretation of the story passed onto me at the recent Reunion.
 

Question: 

Who was as No Neck?
from M.E. DePalma, Ft. Lauderdale

NoNeck was Walter Hughes, an Offensive guard that was from New Jersey, and traveled with another lineman, John Barber, to Pottstown (2hrs.each way) on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week , and then Saturday travel to games. A lot of sacrifice, determination, and drive for the 2nd and 3rd chance at the opportunity to get another  shot at the 'Big-time' . Another group came up from Baltimore, Md. (2 1/2 hrs each way).. a group from the Harrisburg-Lebanon area (1 1/2 hours).. another group from the coal region (2hrs each way), and others from the Allentown area (1 1/2 hrs each way). Even the 'King' came up from Washington, DC area, but he usually spent a few days, and then would drive all the games as noted in the film..This included the coaches. 

Anyway Noneck was called this because his head and shoulders were one in the same.. I don't know if injuries had caused the deformity or an accident of youth??? All I know is he was 6-2 255 lbs., solid as a rock, and  when he pulled from his guard position to lead the sweep he was like the leader of a truck convoy  (18 wheelesr pulling out to pass a slower vehicle, and realizing  that he was responsible to clear the path , speed, agility, and recognition of the goal meant a sense of aggression, judgement, and problem solving while viewing the oppositions defensive reaction to the offensive manuever.. thus choosing the opposing player that would be most able to prevent the accomplishment of  his objective must be blocked, eliminated, realize the fear of God, and prepare for a collision !!!!... he would usually just pretend to be a snowplow, and toss you out of the way or finesse you out of position or grin at you while on top of you  or watch you view the butt of them downfield ...after John Land or Claude Watts ran through .. and he would be sure to let you know that he will be back for more in a little bit. 

I know cause I was the strong safety that went up to force the run.. and I met Walt on many occassions in practice.. usually defering to direct combat,and using discretion would avoid the maiming without much aggression...yet many a time our practices became more enthusiastic, and challenging than the Saturday games... We had the #1 Offense practicing against the #1 Defense in the league. And "pride" was a constant measure of the level of preparation, and professionalism each of us comitted to while wearing the uniform... even during practices.... plus, there was constant competion for starting positions,,, and playing time.  iwas one of those 'kids' that loved to practice.. to play.. to be active.. to compete.. to work at becoming better.. Sometimes I wish I still had that drive... that motivation... yet I now realize I drove myself very hard  to succeed... to prove I belonged with the best.  Well, Noneck has a direct influence on many of us because he made a better player by meeting his challenge, and by being great teammate. What's interesting I never really sat down wth him and expressed this feeling of appreciation for his efforts to make me become a better player and teammate.

I am sure many feelings,experiences, and events were never fully understood then, but now a more mature, meaningful explanation would be presented.. Hopefully,  the website will provide an outlet / resource to communicate such personal revelations. Answer many of the same questions you present. Bring resolutions to others. Or provide a means to release long-standing feelings or insights that were or never have been understood. 

There are many unanswered questions, misunderstood actions, poor / wrong assumptions, lingering frustrations, decisions never fully explained, poor judgement at the time, and many "I'm sorry" that could be expressed.  I am interested in the personal point of view... The stories never told.. the wierd or crazy experiences traveling to Pottstown.. the unexplainable incidents... How did each player get tothe Firebirds??... Where are they now?? What is the most memorable moment playing? interacting in the community? What were some of the unique experiences the families of the players went through?  What about the next generation-- their children? How did the Firebirds influence the youth of Pottstown? good and bad. What has happened to the many  businessmen, the insider's.. , the rumors- both true or false let's try to void or validate them .. I am sure their are many photos that can be shared by all THEN and NOW.... updates of addresses-emails-phone numbers, etc. Maybe this site could become the central depositury of such information, and the on-going communication network...

Herbie

Question:
 

Why does Joe Blake have sneakers over his shoulder, when you played Hartford for the 1970ACFL Championship in Hartford, Conn. during a snow storm?
from M.Hayes, Warner Robins, Ga.

Photo taken at pregame meetings at Motel prior to the 1970 ACFL Championship game.. It snowed the night before, and Mr. Savin, Hartford owner, had his companies construction equipment available to push the snow off the field, and then a steam roller packed down the field. This meant that ice covered the field at game time. 

Thus adjustments needed to be made. Joe felt more comfortable in his sneakers than traditional football cleated shoes. Several of our linemen had played in northern colleges, and were accostumed to this preparation for winter conditions. Many brought sneakers for our games in November, just in case of inclement weather.

In fact, our whole team had brought along two or three different shoe types to try
on the field ... A few of the DB's and WR's took off the rubber cleats, and found that we had better traction, So we taped up the bottom of our shoes to try to cover up the metal posts... it's against the rules of course!!!

During the first half Hartford was slipping and sliding on the field. In the second half, they all had new sneakers... we assumed the Hartford team had called for HELP!
Steve Zegalia (LB) was named Defensive Player of the game. I was fortunate to intercept two passes during the game, and of course, we shut them out for the 2nd straight year ....while playing a (Home) Championship game in Hartford, Connecticutt.

***Note*** I still have my green painted shoes without the rubber cleats at home in Georgia..
Memorabilia never to be replaced, and moments never forgotten.

Question:
 

What was the score of the Jersey Jays game played in Pottstown in 1970?
(he noted that he was 19 at the time and worked for the Jays organization)
from Rich O'Reilley, New Jersey

The Jays ended the season tied with Hartford and Bridgeport for the Northern 
Division Championship with a 7-5 record. Due to head to head competition, and 
tie breakers Hartford was crowned Champs, and thus were given a second chance to try to defeat the defending ACFL Champs, Pottstown, (11-1) for the season.

I just happen to be on the cover for this game !!!

Unfortunately, the Jays lost to Pottstown or maybe they would have been playing Pottstown. I am searching for my archived newspaper articles, but haven't found the Jays game.... I will send an email to Rich when the score is found. I have rosters for both teams and will scan other materials to attach to my correspondence. Thanks for the interest and question.

Question:

I was born and raised in Pottstown.  I was a kid during the heydays of the
Firebirds.  I once read the book "The "Unforgetables" and enjoyed it very
much.  The other day, my girlfriend and I were discussing our home towns
(she is from Illinois) and the subject of Firebirds came up.  Can you tell
me how I can get a copy of "The Unforgetable" and/or the ESPN/NFL films
documentary on the Firebirds?
from Bruce Delong, formerly of Pottstown
 

       

Just as a side note, 
my first full time job was at the now defunct Stanley G Flagg & Co. where one of my co-workers was Bruce Puterbaugh.  I went to school with his daughter Laurie (she also worked at Flagg's at the time). I'm a 1980 graduate of Pottstown High School.  Thanks for any help you can give.

I sent Bruce an email indicating I had forwarded a few other inquiries about the
book, "The Forgettables".. and mentioned that the web site Amazon.com had copies.
I noted that I had reviewed the book for the web site, Feb, 2000. 

I received the following reply:

Mr. Nauss,

Thank you for your reply.  I was able to obtain a copy of  "The
Unforgettables" through Amazon.com.  I have already read about half of the
book.  What a great story!  My Dad and my Best Friend (who also grew up in
Pottstown) can't wait to read it as well.   I wish you luck and hope you
will be able to find the time to get the Firebirds website finished.  I
will check in on it from time to time.  Thanks again and take care!

Here a few memories of Pottstown..... Nostalgia