SPORTS HALL of FAME ATHLETE
Loren 'Moby' Collins '51'

Sometimes in the pursuit of biographical information about a person, one finds a seemingly small accomplishment nestled within the well-known facts. Such is the case with Loren "Moby" Collins.

Moby’s athletic career at Sidney is why he is here tonight. Yet in the archives from his youth spent in Milford, NY, we found that Loren won an essay contest held for farm families throughout eight states! The topic was "Why I Buy War Bonds". 10-year old Loren won a $25 first prize, although truth be told he sent in the essay without his parents' knowledge. His patriotism would flourish later in life.

After living in Milford, Moby attended Unadilla Central for two years before arriving in Sidney for 8th grade. It did not take long to get this spark plug into the sports mode. By his sophomore year, Moby was a varsity athlete to stay – in football, basketball and baseball.

He was part of the very first Legacy Award in 2007 honoring the 1950 unbeaten football team under Hall of Fame Coach Fran Redmond. He served the Hall of Fame festivities well that night as captain just as he did for the 7-0 Warriors. Moby’s offensive spot was at right halfback. It was a balanced attack so quoting any rushing statistics will not open any eyes. However, in the championship game versus Windsor – whose lineup included Sidney HOF coaching legend Tom Robertson – Moby scored the first touchdown of the game and later recovered a fumble at a crucial point in the action.

Arguably, the best sport for Moby was basketball. He was a scrappy player who the papers listed as a forward. Not exactly blessed with height, Moby was more likely what is now called a “swingman”. Whatever you call it, Moby scorched the nets in his senior season (also under Coach Redmond) for a team-leading 14.7 points per game. He had highs of 28 versus Greene and 25 versus Cooperstown. The team started slowly that season losing its first four games but came on strong for an 8-6 record.

At the end of the year, Sidney hosted the annual All-Star game, a North vs. South clash that saw Moby’s 10 points lead the North to a 29-5 first quarter lead. The game ended much closer, with Moby & teammate Bill Maycock on the victorious North squad, 67-65. It was Moby's 2nd year as an all-star.

The baseball team also had Moby for three years, though not much is known from that sport. He was an all-star infielder his senior year.

Among his other scholastic accomplishments, Moby was chosen to attend Boys State in June 1950 and was a member of National Honor Society.

Directly after graduation, he worked briefly with his father George as a bricklayer’s apprentice. By November of 1952, Moby enlisted in the US Air Force, considered his first career, until his retirement as a Chief Master Sergeant in December of 1972. Within that time he served two tours in Vietnam. That effort shown as a 10-year old boy foretold a proud military resume!

Moby enjoyed a second career as co-owner of Sentry Fire Sprinkler Systems, retiring in 2004. Along the way, he coached all three kids in their baseball or softball days. He also was (and still is) active in his Baptist faith, including 15 years teaching a Sunday School class for 4-year olds with his loving wife Dottie.

About the only fact we really lack is how Loren Collins got his nickname of “Moby” Perhaps we’ll find out tonight, as we induct Loren "Moby" Collins into the Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame.