Re: Les Vogel Powergliders

10/07/23 - posted by Jack Driscoll

I played for the San Francisco PAL Mariners in 1962 & 1963. We practiced at Parkside Playground in 1962 & McCoppin Playground in 1963.

We lost to the Powergliders during the 1962 season. Powerglider running back Benny Luis ran right over our most experienced defensive back in my most vivid memory of that game.

For some reason there was no Powerglider team in 1963. That same year, 1963, our Mariner team played in 2 post season games, in Sacramento & at Washington H.S. in S.F.'s "Sergeant Joe Lacy Bowl."

Sully Cassou (who was a bartender at Westlake Joe's in later years) was a kind of "general manager" for the Mariners, as he helped the coaches (Hank Espinal, Bob Moore, Dick Galliani) & our "trainer," Mr Beaudoin (player Bobby Beaudoin's dad.)

I recall 3 other S.F. Pop Warner teams in 1962 & 1963: P.A.L Seahawks, the Marina Marauders. & the PAL Gladiators. Peninsula teams included the San Bruno Rams & the Santa Clara Hornets.

It was such a great sports experience. God bless the S.F. Police Athletic League & all those coaches & other adults & our parents for making that experience possible.