Edward Gekosky, Virginia Beach, Va.
Forty years ago, something truly remarkable happened in Manville. The football team for the Manville High Mustangs posted their one and only perfect record in about a half century of school history.
As part of that team, I treasure the 1968 football season. Sports, in general, had helped instill a “can do” attitude in many of us players. The 1968 football season, in particular, allowed each of us to walk a little taller and to address life’s challenges with a little more gusto than we would have had otherwise. Forty years later, the Perfect Season appears all that much more special in view of the uniqueness of the occurrence.
I am so grateful to all of the players that were part of that 1968 team, and proud of their accomplishments. I’ll mention the following as they are now with us in spirit only, and I pray that everyone else from the team continues to enjoy life.
Jack Gerber, who we lost to a car accident during the season, was one of the most inspirational leaders I have met in my lifetime. He was not just an outstanding quarterback and defensive end; he was the rare charismatic leader that motivated others and brought out the best play in everyone.
Lou Bartok, was a natural for West Point, where he later graduated. He was honorable in every way having the full respect of every player, and so steady in his demeanor that he kept the team in balance. Lou was one of the best backs in the state.
Bill Giraldi, by his unselfishness, epitomized the team spirit that was prevalent. His approach helped set the tone that everyone on the practice and playing field would give their all for the best interest of the team. By always doing his best, always staying positive, and continuously challenging us all, Bill helped make all of us get better.
Everyone on the 1968 football team was a special part of it and I hope each player today accepts a thank you from me for their contributions to one of the best times of my life; I miss the chance to personally tell Jack, Lou, and Bill how much they really meant.
We players knew that we had an excellent coaching staff. We knew that when Ned Panfile said something, it was time for us to do it, and to do it with gusto. Coach Panfile made it easy to give your best because we had so much confidence he knew what we needed to do. His assistants would have been a credit to any team.
It warms me to see the high school and youth fields now named in honor of Coach Panfile and Jack Gerber. I see both as monuments to some of Manville’s best.
Good coaches and players were critical to produce that once in a half century accomplishment. But, as I am now a bit older and hopefully wiser, I recognize that team was only partly made due to the players and coaches. I now see the success as an accomplishment of Manville, the town, and the citizens who were there at the time.
Many, many, Manville residents of the time, helped in some way to produce the perfect season. Manville Pop Warner football helped teach most of us to play, and our organization had to be the envy of the country. Our youth teams had the best that strong community spirit could provide.
The coaching we received on youth teams was unequaled in the country. Community donations were very generous. I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have moved to a town that supported youth football so much. The town even sponsored youth football trips to places like Florida, and in the 1960s, such places were much more “distant” than they are today.
Everyone in town, it seemed, helped promote youth sports, and especially football. Passersby would fill our collection tin cans in front of Johns-Manville, and other places along Main Street. Classmates, teachers, and administrators would help organize the best in pep rallies, and the cheerleaders, drill team and band, were excellent, and proud of their team (and we of them). Parents encouraged strong team spirit and intense competitive play. Fan turnout was huge. The town made every player on the team want to be on the team, and especially proud to be on it!
Community spirit helped make the perfect season possible, and the community provided an extra strong backbone for the 1968 team to build on. Now, most that helped for 1968 are gone or are senior citizens or getting close to senior status, like myself; they all truly did something remarkable in their day.
I give each of my teammates and coaches heartfelt thanks for one of the best times of my life. I give the Manville community, now 40 years older, and many not here now, my heartfelt thanks for helping to provide such grand youth activities, solid upbringing, and material and moral support to help accomplish not just a Perfect Season, but for setting the tone for a good life. Thank you to the Manville seniors that helped make that special season happen.
Best wishes to the community and the 2008 football team. It has been great to see the resurgent football team again spark community spirit.
Here’s wishing for more and only the best for the youth of today.
The writer is a member of Manville High School’s Class of 1968 and the football team’s perfect season.

