Portal:Frankfurt American 1973-1974 Men/Media

Kneeling: child,Roger Wong, George Stelling, Kurt Meisenzahl and son, Gary Massey, Roger Neppl, the two kneeling behind Gary and Roger ? , ? Standing: Todd Orvald, Kevin Hines,?,?, John Bilbo, Bill Weiss, Rich Cline, ?, Robbie Yaquinto, Larry Socea, partially hidden, West Point man, Jerry Babian, Mike Maffett, Mark Koiwai, Rick Klemick

(per Dr. Mike Maffet). My first experience with the team was on a Friday afternoon. We practiced at the base in Frankfurt and then went to a small fair across the street which had a beer tent. We then piled into a VW bus and went to a gasthaus. I think it was Bill Weiss, the hooker's, bus. As the night proceeded we went to other bars and more players joined us. Late into the night we finally left to return to base. We were all plastered. The bus was also now packed. Somehow on the way back, Bill cut a corner, clipped the curb, and the bus tipped on two wheels. We traveled along at 45 degrees for what seemed like a long time and then the bus tipped on its side. In a shower of sparks and screeching metal we came to a stop. It was body piled on body, an automotive scrum. Somehow we climbed out the top. Miraculously no one was hurt. After some drunken discussion, we all got on the down side and pushed the bus back on four wheels. Bill turned the key, it started, we piled back in the bus and returned to the base. Its a wonder we won any games that year. There are many other stories, many involving the Iris Pub, Rob Yaquinto's house in the Taunus Mountains, playing the Brits, our tours to Paris (worthy of a short novel) and the UK, and the trip to the gypsy camp. What a time!