Gowanda PennySaver News - September 21, 2003

The original Capella's Softball Team

Playoff champs - On Sept.12, 1978, the original Capella's Softball Team played their last game together and won the Gowanda Softball Playoff Championship for the fourth consecutive year. The team, which was formed in 1975, won the championship each year they were in existence. Several of the players were childhood friends who played pickup basketball games in Carl Capella's driveway and sandlot football on the corner of Allen and Aldrich streets. Garry Nelson, George Nelson, Dana Jolls and Mark Benton played on all four championship teams. In photo, seated from left, are Tim Geiger, Kevin Regan, Joe Smith, Rick Stefanik, Jack Youngberg and Mike Cassidy. Standing are Dana Jolls, Willy Kota, Al Taylor, Garry Nelson, George Nelson and Mark Benton. Missing from photo are Steve Varney and Tom Paulucci.