'Wam History

Appeared September 26th, 1974 in the Advertiser Democrat.

This season marks the 38th year touch football has been played in Waterford. The venture was started by Hank Burns and Tom Stockwell in Alice Rounds field behind what is known as "The Annex" in Waterford Flats.  The game, organized under the auspices of the "Waterford Junior and Senior Athletic Association" (which never existed, as far as I know), was designed to "blend the youngsters with some of the area's active adults in athletic endeavors."  As interest grew, it was clear the field was not big enough, and with the blessing of 'Wam owner Ned Strauss and his son Bobby, the game was moved to the grounds of Camp Wigwam in South Waterford.  This Sunday will mark the 35th year of 'Wam football and The Waterford Bowl. And 38 successful years of blending youngsters with active, but slowing, adults.
     Below is the article that appeared in the Advertiser Democrat detailing that first game.
 

Hank Burns owned the only pair of sweatpants in Waterford.

WATERFORD — The final was Waterford Flats 49, South Waterford Millers 26. But nobody seemed to notice the score.The victory instead belonged to the entire Waterford Touch Football program for making this first annual bowl game possible. The two teams played a wide open offensive game that delighted the crowd of nearly 75 fans and relatives.Among the highlights: A clutch touchdown grab by Doug Jordan who outmaneuvered Dood Haynes and Rick Chase for the score.
     Two long bombs from Tom Stockwell to Rick Chase.
     Don Chase's tumbling catch on the 40 yard line.
     Two touchdowns by Rusty Millett on passes from Hank Burns.
     Dood Haynes' big catch for a touchdown.
     Jay Burns fine catch for a score.
     Peter Anderson's reception for a score on a long pass from Tom Stockwell.

Brewster Burns, future leading scorer for the
1980 Colby Mules, kicks off.

     Gretchen Berg's leaping catch for an important score.
     Russell Giasson's dance down the sidelines for the final score of the day. And there were defensive standouts as well:
     Chris Anderson sacking the quarterback.
     Brewster Burns' kickoffs which kept the opposition deep in its own territory.
     Bruce Downing's solid zone defense. Paul Hoffman's intelligent coverage of deep receivers.
     Joe Chawes triangular zone.
     But the game itself may have been a sidelight. Halftime activities under the direction of David Stenstrom drew the biggest applause. The band paid tribute to the rectangular states of America. And, humorously, Mr. Stenstrom had the band play "Deep In The Heart Of Texas" as they formed the state of Colorado.

Gretchen Burg, Brewster Burns, Barbara Taylor,
Jeff Cowie and Jay Burns make up the Burt Lance Marching Band

     Referee Arthur Anderson and his assistants, Barbara Taylor and Andy Burns, kept the game under control calling only the penalties, which, in Anderson's words, seemed to be "gross infractions."
     Quotes heard after the game: "I'm not very quotable," Rick Chase
     "If you want me next year, you'd better play a shorter game," Referee Arthur Anderson.
     "The dead Texas Longhorn was the turning point." Joe Chawes.
     "Burns should be given the hothead award." Referee Arthur Anderson. "Which Burns do you mean?" Tom Stockwell.
     "Arthur Anderson favors his son." Hank Burns.
     "Dood Haynes is awful tall.” Jay Burns
     "Brew Burns should be given credit for designing that 'bleeping' defense." Tom Stockwell.

     "I'm not coming next year." Vince Collins.
     "Issy Anderson with her raccoon coat and banner was definitely the inspiration for the Millers." Gretchen Berg.
     The game was held at the Camp Wigwam field and organizers of the contest were grateful to Ned and Bob Strauss, owners of the Camp, for the use of the fine athletic facility. After the game a social gathering took place on Plummer Hill. Tea was served. Pouring the tea were Barbara Taylor and Andrea Burns.
     Members of the two teams were: Flats: Hank Burns, Rusty Millett, Jay Burns, Doug Jordan, Gretchen Berg, Brewster Burns, Doug Craib, Paul Hoffman, and Russell Giasson.Millers: Rick Chase, Peter Anderson, Chris Anderson, Tim Lorrain, Bruce Downing, Tom Stockwell, Dood Haynes, Don Chase, Joe Chawes, and David Ricker.