By MIKE CAPUTO
He not only led the Rams to an undefeated season in their first year of official varsity competition, but the father of Clarke football was also the father of a newborn son, John.
Boyle's 17 years as head coach resulted in two undefeated seasons, and hundreds of memories for the players that passed through the program.
Even though Jack Boyle died in 2000, many of his former players have stayed connected to the Clarke football program. Many continue to follow the team and occasionally attend games. Others have been known to organize informal gatherings. Some even have sons who played for the Rams.
The son of Clarke football's founder, current coach John Boyle, decided that 50 years was an important enough milestone to bring those generations of teams together into one room for one special evening last weekend.
Boyle, who remembered the players of the '60s during his time as a young water boy, noted the importance of Clarke football's long list of family legacies.
"I don't know if we would have as many of the former players come back if not for that connection," Boyle said. "They had a great relationship with my father."
Now, John Boyle is getting calls from former players that his father used to get on a routine basis.
"I have received calls from former players saying 'Coach you meant so much in my life," Boyle said. "I am like 'Wow, this is all the stuff my father use to get.' I'm starting to get them, and I am like 'Wow, I didn't realize I had that much of an impact.'"
The anniversary celebration was held in Levittown Hall on Sept. 27, following the Clarke home game against Seaford. The Rams' loss to the Vikings that afternoon did not damper the spirited reunion, attended by nearly 100 Clarke football alumni.
Alumnus Gary Klimkowski ('74), who helped Boyle organize the 50th anniversary reunion, was a part of his own Clarke football legacy. Klimkowski played for Jack Boyle in his last season as head coach. His brother Ron Klimkowski ('62) played on one of Clarke's undefeated teams, and his other brother Charlie Klimkowski ('73) also strapped on the Rams helmet. And nearly three decades later, Gary Klimkowski's own son, Kyle, was quarterback for the Rams under John Boyle in 2002.
Although Charlie and Ron Klimkowski were unable to attend, Gary and Kyle Klimkowski attended the 50th anniversary reunion together. To Gary Klimkowski, the key characteristic to Clarke football is "without a doubt the tradition."
"A lot of people ended up staying in the community," he said. "About 5 or 6 of us that graduated together see each other."
Boyle, the Klimkowskis and the rest of Clarke football's alumni in attendance enjoyed an evening of discussions, honors, and a special DVD recapping the program's history.
"I remember some of the guys when I was [young]," Boyle said. "They were the heroes, role models that I had and now they are back so it is kind of neat."
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
