SPORTS HALL of FAME ATHLETE
Allen 'Punkey' George '58'

(Note: this is from Punky's own words, edited for content)
I was raised in the Sidney School District and spent a lot of time at the home of my grandparents, Henry & Mary Dabney in the "Brooklyn" section of Sidney. That is where I met a boy named Jerry Curtis, who was (and still is) my best friend.

Jerry & I grew up playing the normal boy hood garnes so when we reached our teens, it was only natural that we started playing sports together. We played football, baseball, wrestling and even joined the school's Tumbling Team. Jerry was Captain of the 1956 undefeated Sidney Warrior football team and 1 was lucky enough to be part of that team.

I also played on the first Championship baseball team under the great coach, Alan Drake. Dave Ineich ('56 and fellow Class of 2013 inductee) was my catcher and believe me, Dave saved many of my pitches from becoming wild pitches. In 1956, Dave and I were selected for the Section IV All Star Baseball Team.

[Editor's Note: Punky actually pitched in every game for the Warriors that 1956 season, winning 8 games and losing only two. He averaged 10 strikeouts a games! Sidney won the Northern Division title of the Sus League, losing the crossover to Deposit 6-5, despite a 5-hitter by Punky He also hit an impressive .347. The following season, Punky shared pitching duties with Glenn Kuhn, but still managed a 7-1 record on the hill.]

There were two outstanding coaches 1 have been very fortunate to have played for and who influenced my life. They shapes me into the man 1 am today. 1 sincerely appreciate all Coach Fran Redmond and Coach Alan Drake did for me and so many of their players of my generation.

After leaving school, I enlisted in the Navy for four years, serving aboard the CVA60 aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga, stationed out of Mayport, Florida. During my enlistment, I went on two Mediterranean cruises. For those who appreciate military history, I was stationed on the Saratoga during the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

I have always had a competitive side so at the age of 53 decided to take up bowling. As a Senior Pro Bowler in Florida, I bowled three perfect (300) games! It is also in Florida where I have won a number of tournaments. Trudy and I moved to New York several years ago to be closer to family. Earlier this year, a friend and I went to Rochester NY and bowled in a Doubles Tournarnent. We did pretty well for two old timers, placing llth out of 600 entrants plus a lot of fun was had!

At this time in my life, I am enjoying watching our grandsons, Graham and Isaac play sports at Oneonta. Our oldest grandson (Bryce) is a sophomore at SUNY-Brockport & is a starting player on their Golden Eagle Football team.