Unearthing the precise roster for the Bertrand High School football team from the 1962 season proves challenging due to limited online archives and the passage of time. School yearbooks from that era often contain team photos and sometimes a list of players, but finding a digitized version readily available online is difficult. However, let's explore some avenues to potentially uncover this information and discuss the typical composition of a high school football roster from that period.
How to Find the 1962 Bertrand High School Football Roster
Locating this specific roster requires a multi-pronged approach, combining online research with offline inquiries:
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School Archives: Contact Bertrand High School directly. Their administration office or alumni association might possess yearbooks, game programs, or historical documents containing the 1962 football roster. This is your most promising lead.
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Local Historical Societies: Check with local historical societies or museums in the Bertrand area. These organizations often preserve community records, including school memorabilia.
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Online Genealogy Resources: Websites dedicated to genealogy sometimes include high school yearbooks or sports team photos. Search for "Bertrand High School yearbook 1962" or similar terms on these platforms. (Note: This approach requires some luck as many yearbooks are not yet digitized.)
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Newspapers.com (and similar): Local newspapers from 1962 might have mentioned the team roster in game previews or season recaps. Subscription-based newspaper archive websites could be a valuable resource.
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Social Media: Create a post on social media platforms, such as Facebook, tagging the school or local community groups. Someone within the alumni network may possess this information.
What a Typical 1962 High School Football Roster Might Include
While we can't provide the specific 1962 Bertrand roster, understanding the typical structure of a high school football roster from that era can offer insights:
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Limited Roster Sizes: High school football rosters in the 1960s were generally smaller than those seen today. Expect a team size ranging from 20 to 40 players, depending on the school's size and participation levels.
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Positional Breakdown: The roster would list players by their positions, including quarterback, running back, fullback, halfback, linemen (offensive and defensive tackles, guards, centers), and defensive backs (cornerbacks, safeties). Special teams players (kickers, punters) would also be included.
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Player Information: The basic information listed would typically be the player's name and possibly their grade level or jersey number.
Understanding High School Football in the 1960s
The 1960s represented a different era for high school football:
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Rules and Gameplay: The rules and style of play differed from today's game. Offenses were often simpler, and the emphasis on passing was less prominent.
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Equipment: Equipment was less advanced. Helmets and pads provided less protection than modern equipment.
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Community Importance: High school football held a significant role in smaller communities, serving as a focal point for school spirit and community pride.
Finding the 1962 Bertrand High School football roster will require dedicated research. The strategies outlined above offer the best chance of success in uncovering this piece of local history. Good luck with your search!
