The Giants Start An Alumni Group

[Wolverine1975]

From the Bergen Record, dated July 30, 1978 (excerpted)

GIANTS' OLD-TIMERS REUNITED
by Vinny DiTrani

   PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y.-Wide receiver Brian DeRoo cuddled the pass from quarterback Randy Dean, then surrendered the ball upon receiving a terrifying jolt from cornerback Odis McKinney.  On the sidelines ex-corner Dick Lynch broke into a grin; and ex-receiver Joe Biscaha grimaced.
   Lynch and Biscaha were two of the 34 ex-Giant players who were reunited yesterday at the training camp at Pace University.  The gathering was the first event sponsored by the Giants' branch of the National Football League Alumni Association. 
   "There are about 18 chapters throughout the league," said former linebacker Tom Scott, who has organized the Giants' branch.  "We've been putting this together for about a year-and-a-half now, but we were waiting for the new stadium to get things rolling."
   Once the association is set, the players will be charged yearly dues to help keep it going.  "What we'll eventually have," Scott said, "is a mostly more social gathering."
   The first offcial in-season function of the chapter is Oct. 22 when the survivors of the 1938 NFL championship team gather at Giants Stadium for ceremonies prior to the game with the Redskins.  "We'll have a special day like that each year," said Scott.
   "The response has been excellent, especially from the older players.  Guys love to be recognized again.  When they quit playing, they split up, say good-by to each other, and maybe never get together again.  This is a way of bringing them all back together."
   Scott has received membership applications from the likes of Cong. Jack Kemp, who spent time on the Giants' taxi squad in 1958; and Pat Hughes and Don Herrmann, who are still active with the Saints. 
   The ex-players present yesterday watched the current Giants go through a pair of scrimmages.  After the short morning workout, Erich Barnes yelled to former teammate Dick Modzelewski, "Only 30 minutes?  If I knew you practiced only 30 minutes, I'd still be playing."
   Pete Gogolak, the popular placekicker, visited the locker room after the morning session. 
   Gogolak, who now runs a soccer camp in Connecticut, was in for a treat.  "I just love the smell," he said as he wandered through the lockers.  Then, the former placekicker was let in on an old secret. 
   "We're going to tell you who used to order all that beer on the road and charge it to you," Brian Kelley told Gogolak.  The culprits were Jack Gregory and former tackle Willie Young.

     

[Sam56]

Thanks Wolverine for the article. Hopefully this branch will take off and be supported by Giant players past and present as well as us fans. Great idea.