Boltbusters
The Boltbusters were a Semi-Professional football team in Ellwood City. The team was founded in 1947 by former High School players returning from serving in World War II. The first year the team was simply the Sportsman Club. It was not until 1948 that the team changed its name to the Boltbusters.
The team played in the Lawrence County Football Semi-Pro league and continued playing games into the 1950′s. We have talked to a number of people that have fond memories of going to watch these games and remember how good these guys could play the game. The V.F.W Post 252 not only sponsored the team but also housed them. The players would meet at the V.F.W. and dress upstairs where their uniforms were kept and then travel to the field for practice or games.
Carl Agostinelli, one of the few surviving members, was more than happy to help us and gave us the names of the players from this 1928 Championship team…
Front Row Left to Right: H. Young, Leo Presto, Phil Konyak, Al Geniviva, Denn Pelloni, Lou Chiro, Harry Hughes, Bob Chesko, Bill Young, A. Orlando (manager)
Second Row Left to Right: Carl Agostinelli, Nick Sudeno, Bill O’Brien, Will Wiltrout, Mike Raykovich, Joe Vargo, Dale Tillia, Henry Mancini, Bill McClintic, Jack Desport, Ziggy Glogowski
Third Row from the Left: Joe Turner (manager), Frank Ritorto, Danny O’Shurek, Bob Figurell, Jay Mikosh, Carl Ottobre, Chub Thomas, Nick Dudick, Joe Eonta, Marty Abbaticchio, Carl Bintrim, Jack Menied
We would enjoy hearing your memories of the mighty Boltbusters. Please share your comments below or email us at info@ellwoodcitymemories.com
I remember it well, My brother, Harry Hughes, played on the team. Those were fun days!!
I was very young back in the late 40′s but vaguely remember this team. The next to last man in row 2 is, I think, Jack Desport not Despont. He was the QB for the 1944 Lincoln High team that played Donora HS for the WPIAL Championship. A very good player.
I remember going to a view some of their games and remember many of the players although I didn’t know any of them personally. I must have been about 10 years old when they were playing. One of my friends knew one of the players and we used to go stand by the gate for when the team would enter and the player he knew would get both of us in free. If we mis-timed it, then we would have to go into the alley behind the field and climb over the fence. And , of course, I remember a Dick Charles who was about my age.
Boy was I surprised when I clicked on “Boltbusters” to see what it was about and I a saw a photo of my Uncle Joe Turner. He was so young. I was five years old in ’47. Never knew he was a manager for a football team.
Thanks for the photo.