Fog no obstacle for Bucs

As noted in past columns, commercial flights were not uncommon for

junior college football squads during the 1940s and ‘50s, since they

helped promote interest and excitement in recruiting programs for

nonconference contests.

Orange Coast College, which started in 1948 under head coach Ray

Rosso, who had previously led Chaffey College to a Junior Rose Bowl

triumph over Cameron, Okla., wound up with a number of unexpected are

travel happenings.

One, he recalls sharply to this day, was the 1949 clash against

Marin College in Kentfield, across the bay from San Francisco.

The timing was off from the beginning as Rosso recalled the flight

out of Los Angeles was postponed due to fog. Hence, he said, they had

to stay in Los Angeles overnight.

“We left the next morning, definitely thinking we would make the 1

p.m. kickoff,” Rosso said. “But as we approached the Bay Area, we

could not land because of the fog. We circled about one-half hour and

we were then informed that we could land at an alternate airport at

Half Moon Bay, south of ‘Frisco.’ ”

The coach said, “Well, all on board, including Dr. Peterson, OCC

president, and all the coaches and wives were shocked because we knew

we could not make the scheduled time. Plus, we had a very early

breakfast and had planned for a pregame meal, which would not be

possible.

“So, we made arrangements for a bus to be ready and waiting at

Half Moon Bay. Then, we set up a plan for the players to get their

basic equipment on in the bus. Additionally, we had various quick

munchable energy bars made ready to be picked up. We advised Marin we

would be ready to play about one-half hour late.

“What ensued was a wild, crazy bus ride through San Francisco,

over the Golden Gate Bridge and right to the stadium. The players

completed their dressing on the bus and got on the field for their

warmup. The team was ready to play.

“So, without food and sleep, and with much anxiety, we nonetheless

played and won a very memorable game and returned in a very happy

atmosphere, to say the least.

“[This] somewhat proves or disproves all the carefully planned

pregame so traditional. What really mattered was the mental attitude

of playing the game. Mental attitude and desire were the prime

motivators, traditional preparation not withstanding.

*

Friends indicate a memorial is being planned in late May for Bill

Klussman, a 1948-49 Newport Harbor High student body president and a

school record-breaker in the 440-yard dash in 1949. He died of lung

cancer May 5.

Klussman, 71, who later became a business partner with Don Bren of

the Don Bren Co., was highly successful in Irvine real estate over

the years.

He also created a stylish horse-breeding farm in Woodland Hills

and fared well racing them. However, he recently sold the horses.