Well-wishers, we thank you!--the Fordham Prep Track & Field Team
Updated: 07/18/01

Dear Coach Febles,

I just happened to stumble on the Prep's websight and Lo and Behold saw where you guys won the CHSAA's this year for the first time in 75 years. I almost fell off my chair. I was on the team that came in second to Bishop Loughlin (I believe) in 1960. My mind was also blown when I started to navigate through the site and discovered my name is still on several of the Prep's records. Another shocker. I never could beat Tom Byrne unless we were on the same relay team together.

Congratulations, again. I'm sure Foxy Joe is damn proud.

Regards
Josh Howell III '60

Congrats on the excellent season!
Michael Cleary '79

Congratulations on Fordham Prep's greatest track and field season and to the
Preps best track team ever.
With such a young team only bigger and better things are to come.

Congrats
Ernie Robertson '76

Hi George,

Congratulations on winning the CHSAA Championship for Fordham Prep
for the very first time. I'm sure Joe Fox's prayers were with you. It
made all the papers. A fantastic feat. Very few people outside the Track
Community realize what an accomplishment this was. Congratulations again
to you, the other coaches, and your wonderful competitive athletes.

WOW!!

Jack Sullivan  (Prep teacher <bene merente> and class of 1945)
George Febles-Coach Extraordinaire
Excellent job coach!  Saw the results in the New York Times while I was in Anchorage for a weekend.  Quite a shocker.  I was so proud (and jealous).  I pointed it out to anyone that cared and a lot that didn't.  Hope all is well with you.  Sure miss my days at the Prep.  You helped make it an unforgettable experience and helped me become the person I am today and will be in the future.  Thanks coach.
Mike Fink '92

Congratulations on the City Champs coach...keep selling the poinsettias!

- Jim Hurley '96

Coach,

I loved reading this exciting account.

Is Idris Payne any relation to Mike Payne, the great 1/4 miler from the 63 city champ indoor 440 relay?

Larry Colkin '63

What a terrific season you guys have had!  City Champ is thick icing on a delicious cake.  The best thing is that it was a "team thing."  It was not one star putting together a bundle of points (ala NCAA championships).  You actually had a bunch of guys running, jumping over things, pulling themselves up fiberglass poles and tossing heavy iron tools.  My congrats to all at the track banquet.  By the way, George, I hope you and the other coaches get a hefty pay raise -- ha, ha.
Regards, Tom Carroll '57 and Lydia

Great job, well done!! Congrats to you & all the runners & field events guys. It's been a long time coming.

=====

Roger J. Dexter '61
"The Captain"

George-

Congratulations! What an accomplishment, I could not have imagined a city championship. The depth of the team now, as well as the talent, is a credit to you and the track tradition at the prep. ( I see, you guys have found a shot putter to throw over 45 feet --my personal best--) excellent!

I still hang with a few track teammates from the prep, but lost touch with many during my long college stay.

I spend my days now as an Industrial Designer, and I enjoy it extensively. Always extreme hours and sacrifice on the job, which I'm sure you are very familiar with at Fordham.

My 10 yr. reunion was great, and I was sorry we missed each other. I plan on visiting the prep again, and hope it can be a great opportunity to reminisce and build.

How is your family doing? I hope all is going well!

--Can you pass along Mike Morales's e-mail or phone number? I've been trying to reach him. I know he is in the LA area these days.. The Last I spoke with him he told me he was portly built and doing a lot of cooking.

All the Best,

Ramseii Campbell '91

Hey Coach,
 
I just saw the results of the team in the City Championships.  
My heart went out to you guys.
 
You are the best and you sure proved it.
 
I am sure that there will be many other success stories.
 
Sincerely,
 
Tom Ward '54

Hey, Coach Febles,

Remember me, it's Rodger. Just heard the great news about the track team winning the CHSAA City Championship. Congratulations to the track team and especially to you for being their leader.

So how's the daughter doing, how old is she now? Any more children :)

Well, got to go, congratulations again.

Sincerely,

Rodger Emmanuel '97

Dear Coach Febles;

I write to congratulate you not as an ex-Trustee of the Prep or as a current volunteer in the Development Office, but as member of the Freshmen 880 yard relay CHSAA champion of a few years back - - 1953 if memory serves.

In those days we couldn't muster enough mass to beat Cardinal Hayes or Bishop Loughlin for the overall championship. So, I congratulate you on this great feat.

Paul Williams

It was a great thrill to see the team make Prep Track history this weekend and fun to meet a few of the kids after the meet. I wish that I could have stayed around longer to share their thrill of victory and congratulate them all. As a member of the Class of 70, I know what a privilege it is to compete on a team of great athletes that have a strong desire to succeed and who work hard together to attain their goals. I am sure that I would never been the athlete that I was if it wasn't for the support and the camaraderie of my teammates.

It is clear that this group has come together in the same way - not only as great athletes but a tight knit group of good kids who are supportive of one another as well. Please tell them to takes time to savor this great achievement. I am sure that for years to come they are going to remember this time as one of the best times of their lives.

Robert Anastasio '70

George,

To borrow a phrase from the rock and roll band "Queen", "We are the Champions." Believe me, you and your steeds will relive this triumphant moment for eternity and it will define those who follow, for now you have raised the bar.

I am proud of you and your team. I can imagine the amount of preparation and focus required, but it sure was worth the effort.

Anything is possible.

Jim De Rienzo '75

George, Congrats to the mile relay  on 3:19.4, a great time for a young team. They most certainly have a shot at the record, they have to stay healthy.

Fred Miller '70

Looks like you've got them cranking at the right time. Congrats to all. Best of all, it looks like they still have HUGE potential. Ask them to break the records by a little, and then obliterate them when they're their own. Do you have anyone in the Nationals? Is that still in Sacramento? How goes Mr. McCabe? What's FAT (besides me)?

Des Sugrue '70

sorry for the quick, incomplete message, george,
joe fox meant everything to  a couple of generations of prepsters...i am sure
 he is smiling.....is the payne boy the son of Joe Payne who ran in the
60's?....yes, see you at VC in the fall...i coach both the boys and girls
teams  at South Side in x-c......

Bill Toumey '65

Hey Coach:

What a great season.  Congratulations.   --kf

Kevin Farragher '75

Dear Coach Febles: Congratulations on your first City Championship! I'm sure there are more to come. Please give my best wishes to your father and Coach Carney as well.
 
Regards,
 
Ed Pisacreta

George,
Hearty congratulations to you, your fellow coaches and to an outstanding team of athletes, too many to single out, both running and field. I was very impressed with the mile relay . I had heard that Mount had an outstanding mr that might challenge our record.  If it's ok, I may pop down for the dinner next week. I'd love to congratulate the men on their victory.    All the best,  

Fred Miller '69

Coach Febles:

Congratulations.  That's quite an accomplishment.  You, your team and the
school can be justifiably proud of it.

And so am I.

Best Wishes.

Paul De Rienzo

Congratulations to you and your coaching staff and of course all the kids for a wonderful meet and a great year. Mark McCabe

Hi George,
 
Congratulations !!!!! That was a great city championship !!!
I'm sure you guys must be proud ! We wish you, all the
coaches, and your athletes all the best !!!!

 - Jeff Gallagher - Coach at Molloy HS
Coach....I'm thinking you should come down to earth sometime in mid August!!  Congrats of course. Sorry Mark and I had to leave for a graduation but we can say we were there. Word on the street is you're already scheming up plans for the repeat !!! Rumor is that Villlanova already has permission from Fr. Parkes to talk to you about a multi year contract. i don't believe a word of It.. It will be awkward next spring when you have to install yourself in the Prep Hall of Fame !!!!

Seriously though... What a great day for the guys , the prep and for their leader !!

All your hard work has paid off . You certainly deserve all the kudos.

And the future looks bright with all those speedy underclassman. Have a great summer . Next year we're staying for the end /for sure. 

bill porcaro '67

George

Kudos to you, your coaching staff and your team on a tremendous
accomplishment. You have molded your team into a work of art. Covering every
event and getting it done in workmanship fashion. Take pride in your title
and your boys, for it is well deserved. All the best.

Tom Cuffe - Coach at Farrell HS

Congratulations to all. Well done.

Des Sugrue '70


George

Congratulations on an impressive win.

Jim May - Coach at St. Francis HS

George,
Congratulations on Fordham Prep's first ever CHSAA Championship.  I know you
and your team work hard so this is certainly well deserved.  Enjoy and
continued success!  Take care.

Roberto Vives - Coach at University at Albany

George,

Congratulations on your victory. I'm sure the wait made the win sweeter.  Not that I would know. On the line a paying your dues, I'm way behind you.

Once again, great job.

Sean Rice - Coach at Midwood HS

Coach,

Again I'd like to say congratulations, to you, Coach Carney, Jerry, Febles Sr, Coach Dowling and espcially the 2001 Fordham Prep Rams on solidifying what truly was the greatest team and the greatest season in Ram history. In my 4 years 11 seasons with the team I never sensed so much excitement at a meet. This team truly worked together and deserves only the highest praise from not only the school but the entire CHSAA. Even though my career is over and its sad in a way to miss such a great achievement by one season I couldn't have been any prouder today to say that I was a Fordham Ram. Congrats again, I'm sure you'll be hearing that a lot all summer long.

Enclosed were the best of my pics, hope you can use them.

Proud Alumnus,

Joe Salvati '00

PS- In 13 season you accomplished something even the legendary Joe Fox couldn't in 23+ seasons. Do I hear the hall of fame calling???

WHAT A GREAT PLEASURE IT WAS TO BE A PART OF THIS CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON.  MANY
THANKS- THE FRAINA FAMILY

George:

Congratulations on your victory.  It was well deserved.   My husband also was quite
impressed with Fordham's victory.

I have attached several photos for your use.

Mary DiBiase Blaich - wingedfootfotos

--and many written notes and phone calls--thanks!