Key Injuries Hindered Crimson Eagles' Cagers 50 Years Ago as Warde Finished 9-9 in 1959-60

The Fairfield Warde boys' basketball team is off to a 3-1 start this season, despite dropping a close contest to the cross-town Jesuits in the opening round of the Fairfield Prep alumni Christmas tournament Monday night at Fairfield University's Alumni Hall. The Mustangs play the Lancers of Notre Dame High School in the consolation game Wednesday evening.

Fifty years ago, the Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball bolted to a 2-1 start en route to a 9-9 overall record. The team parlayed outstanding team coordination and the brilliant scoring of Tom Dardani to offset key injuries to star players Bob Derby and Dan Harris. However, the loss of one too many games prevented the team from entering the state tournament.

Although the Eagles were continually scrapping for victories, there were some sensational games during the 1959-60 season. The Warde faithful cheered Pete Horvath, whose fancy dribbling enabled the Eagles to squeeze out a 46-43 victory over Staples.

Howie Ratner, pictured against Ludlowe below, turned in a sparkling 22-point performance to lead Warde to a stunning upset win over Stamford's Black Knights. Joe Magdon constantly cleared the boards as Warde edged Danbury, 57 to 52. Though Mike Siavrakas harassed New Canaan's ballhandlers, the Eagles eventually fell short, 66-63, in a thrilling contest against the Rams.

Dardani sparked an 81-57 romp over Ludlowe (see photo below), gaining sweet revenge after a 57-48 loss to the Flying Tigers earlier in the season. Jack Schneider's defensive prowess helped to bridle opponents, while Ronnie Bell consistently kept Warde in contention in games decided by a small margin.

Sam Rust, Glen Englander, Paul Sellvaag, and Dennis Lindwall, the unheralded but battling reserves, also exemlified the spirit of Andrew Warde. In addition, coach Bob Seirup was a top contender for a medal of honor, according to the 1959-60 yearbook. Awards for service beyond the call of duty were also recommended to managers Curt Helgren, Steve Markofa, and Paul Hiller.

After winning two of their first three games of the season, including nailbiters over Darien (48-47) and Staples, the Eagles dropped four games in a row. The team split its next eight games before closing the '59-'60 campaign with a three-game winning streak.

Here is a look at the game-by-game summary of the Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles' basketball results from 50 years ago:

• Warde 48, Darien 47
• Norwalk 57, Warde 34
• Warde 46, Staples 43
• New Canaan 56, Warde 53
• Ludlowe 57, Warde 48
• Greenwich 67, Warde 55
• Stamford 59, Warde 54
• Warde 66, Wright Tech 26
• Warde 57, Danbury 52
• Darien 92, Warde 47
• Warde 68, Norwalk43
• Staples 38, Warde 33
• New Canaan 66, Warde 63
• Warde 81, Ludlowe 57
• Greenwich 66, Warde 47
• Warde 70, Stamford 63
• Warde 76, Wright Tech 48
• Warde 58, Danbury 44

Paul

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