By MaryAnne Denniston, Graduate, Bronxville High School

Apr. 20, 2016:  On Saturday, April 9, more than 100 people came together at Siwanoy Country Club to honor and celebrate Coach Bob Spenik, the Bronxville High School varsity football coach from 1963 to 1969 who also served as the high school principal and later assistant superintendent. 

There was at least one captain present from each team he coached, along with former players, assistant coaches, cheerleaders, twirlers, band members, students, faculty, staff, friends, and family. People came from all over the country--from California, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, and many other states. 

There is no doubt of Coach Spenik's ability to win games; his impressive 52-4 record at Bronxville that included a 37-game win streak demonstrates that. But it was how he changed lives and continues to influence the adult lives of those he coached and taught that resonates most. 

Speakers at the event recalled his lessons on being prepared, always showing up, always showing up with the best you could bring no matter what your role, and the importance of being a true teammate that resonated most through the memories of games won and occasionally lost, of injuries, of bus rides, along with other team and personal reminiscences. 

The laughs were many and the sentiments deep as Coach Bob McGrath, Buzz McGrath '73, Al Mingrone, Christy Patt '67, Tom Sanford '64, Frank Winant '64, Roger Haile '65, Toby Campion '66, Rick Renner '66, Bob Kettle '67, Page Thompson '68, Jim Fernald '69, Bob Linder '69, Jay VanKirk '69, Carol Burt Litt '70, Randy Ely '70, Tom Denniston '71, and Richard Reach '71 spoke of Coach Spenik and what his influence has meant to them. 

The idea to honor Coach Spenik came about almost a year ago when his daughter, Christina Spenik Butler, placed his name in nomination for the Westchester County Athletic Hall of Fame. The nomination process included gathering letters of support. Thirty former players, some who played for him more than 50 years ago, jumped at the chance to support the coach's induction to the Hall of Fame; Christina quickly received letters from all over the country. 

Word spread and excitement grew at the prospect of honoring this man who means so much to so many. In late June, the Hall of Fame announced its inductees for 2016, and Coach Spenik was not among them. His former players were incredulous; the idea to have a dinner to honor him was raised; and so it began. The result was an evening that was unforgettable for everyone.

Pictured here:  Front row (L to R): Steve Saudek ’71, Coach Ron Catena, Eric Miller ’71, Richard Reach ’71, Coach Bob Spenik, Coach Chris Vancura, and Coach Bob McGrath; back row (L to R): Bob Linder ’69, Rick Alvarez ’69, Gary Avalone ’71, Tom Denniston ’71, Grant Troja ’71, and Don Breen ’71.

Photo by Scott McGrath