Old Timers have said that if the USF Rugby team ever settled down, organized properly, practiced regularly, and really learned the fine points of the game, it would have no trouble beating any team in the Bay Region. This year, after a very slow start, it looked like the Dons were going to do just that. But a series of injuries to such capable men as Captain Tom Rice and Pete Visentin, unfortunate mistakes in games and lack of practice finally took their toll. Despite this, the Don rugby team continued on its way as the toughest team to beat in the Bay Area Conference.
Back from last year's squad were such stalwarts as Captain Tom Rice, Pete Breceda, Jim Madden and Bill Barry in the scrum; Paul Golden at wing forward and Walt Pudoff, Charley Kremesac, Al Braga, Sammy Johnstone, and Hugh Malley in the backfield. To these men Coach Marovich added Larkins, Portello, DiGrazia and Mohr in the scrum, and Pete Visentin, Pete Franchesi and Glenn Wunderling in the backfield. This was a strong team on paper and just as strong and tough to beat on the field (TheDon).
Norman Portello was a native of Son Francisco, and graduated in 1942 in Biology. He was a member of the Wasmann Club, the Block Club, and Kappa Alpha Phi.
