The Rivalry: Weequahic vs. Hillside High

My father received more attention with his basketball exploits in high school, college and as a professional than he did in other sports.  But he felt his best sports would have been as a decathlete in track and field or as a football player.  His size, strength, speed and athleticism must have stood out on the gridiron; he was not only Weequahic's best runner, receiver and linebacker...as a Freshman (!), but based on articles in the scrapbook, his punting was out of this world.

It was unfortunate that Swede's Russian Jewish immigrant parents had no knowledge of or appreciation for football.  They did not attend his games (and that included basketball) until the final game of Swede's Sophomore year...the Thanksgiving Day game against their football rival, Hillside High.  My Uncle Leo, Swede's older brother, took Max, and they watched as Swede was involved in virtually every play, whether it be offense, defense, or special teams.  

Late in the game, Swede was gang tackled after a very long run, and was knocked cold.  As my father's prone body lay motionless in the muddy turf, Leo ran on to the field.  But he was just as worried about Max, who was beside himself in the stands, wondering about the fate of his son.

Swede suffered a concussion, but otherwise there was no permanent damage.  But seeing his son knocked cold was all Max needed to see.  He put his foot down...there would be no more football for his son.  The following two years my grandparents were visited at home by the football coach (several times), the athletic director, other parents, etc.  It was quite frustrating for the student body that the school's top player, arguably the best in the state, was not playing.  I was amazed at how many articles were written in the Newark papers about the  "parental objections" to Swede playing football.

Somewhat miraculously, Swede's crying and nagging finally got Max and Sonia to relent for the final four games of his senior year.  The write-ups of those games are full of his exploits all over the field.

One thing that struck me as I was working on the book was how many people remember that game (played 75 years ago)!  Obviously it was a big rivalry, but it seemed like everyone from my parent's era witnessed Swede get knocked out that day.  And they passed it on to their children!  And everyone had their own spin.  Many were positive that Hillside had it in for my father, and "went after" him, trying to put him out of the game.  (I doubt it).  Many had differing recollections about the details; but more importantly, everyone was there.  Unfortunately, including Max.  Who knows...if Max didn't attend that game, Swede might have ended up playing professional football.

As for Swede, he told me the only thing he ever remembered was making a long run and was about to be met by some defenders.  He had no recollection of what happened after that...other that he didn't play any more football for two years.