A document listing the names and typically other information (such as positions, jersey numbers, and perhaps even height and weight) of the players who comprised a Nebraska high school’s football team during a specific academic year offers a snapshot in time. This type of record provides a valuable resource for understanding the composition of the team and serves as a historical record of student athletic participation.
Such a record holds genealogical value, enabling individuals to connect with their family history or trace the athletic roots of community members. It also provides a basis for statistical analysis of the team’s performance, offering insights into player contributions and team dynamics during that particular season. The document can contribute to a broader understanding of the school’s history and the role of athletics within the community during the early 1960s. This era marked a significant period in American history, and examining such records can offer a glimpse into the lives of young people during this time.
Further research into yearbooks, local newspapers, and school archives could provide additional context surrounding the team, the season’s outcomes, and the broader community environment. Exploring these related resources can paint a more complete picture of Bertrand High School during the autumn of 1962.
Tips for Researching a 1962 High School Football Roster
Locating and interpreting historical high school sports rosters requires a multi-faceted approach. The following tips offer guidance for navigating potential research avenues.
Tip 1: Contact the School Directly: Begin by contacting Bertrand High School’s administrative office or alumni association. They may possess archived rosters or yearbooks containing the desired information.
Tip 2: Explore Local Libraries and Historical Societies: Local libraries and historical societies often maintain archives of community newspapers, yearbooks, and other relevant historical documents. These resources may contain team photos, articles about games, and potentially the roster itself.
Tip 3: Utilize Online Genealogy Resources: Websites dedicated to genealogy, such as Ancestry.com or MyHeritage, can be valuable. These platforms frequently contain yearbooks and other historical records that may list team members.
Tip 4: Search Newspaper Archives: Online newspaper archives, including Newspapers.com or GenealogyBank, can provide access to digitized historical newspapers. Searching for articles about the team or school during the relevant time period may yield the roster or related information.
Tip 5: Connect with Alumni Groups: Online platforms like Facebook or Classmates.com facilitate connections with alumni who may possess photographs, yearbooks, or personal recollections of the 1962 football season.
Tip 6: Consider State Historical Societies: Nebraska’s state historical society might hold relevant collections related to local high schools, including sports records or community histories.
By employing these research strategies, one can significantly increase the likelihood of uncovering information related to the team and its members. This process contributes to preserving local history and honoring the legacies of those involved.
These research pathways can unlock a deeper understanding of Bertrand High School, its athletic programs, and the community during the early 1960s. Continued exploration may reveal further insights into the team’s performance, individual player stories, and the broader context of the era.
1. Players
The players listed on a 1962 Bertrand High School football roster represent the core of the team and provide a window into the lives of young athletes during that era. Analyzing the player information offers insights into the team’s composition, individual contributions, and the broader social context of high school athletics in the early 1960s.
- Player Positions and Roles:
Rosters typically detail each player’s position, revealing the team’s strategic makeup and the individual roles within the game. Identifying quarterbacks, running backs, linemen, and other specialized positions illuminates the team’s tactical approach and the players’ specific contributions on the field. This information allows for an assessment of the team’s strengths and potential vulnerabilities.
- Seniority and Experience:
Noting the class year of each player (senior, junior, sophomore, etc.) provides a sense of the team’s experience level and leadership structure. The presence of seasoned seniors suggests established leadership, while a roster dominated by underclassmen might indicate a rebuilding phase. This information helps to understand team dynamics and potential performance expectations during that particular season.
- Player Statistics (if available):
While not always included on basic rosters, some archival records may contain individual player statistics. Rushing yards, passing completions, tackles, and other performance metrics offer quantifiable insights into individual contributions and overall team success. These data points add a performance-based dimension to the roster’s historical narrative.
- Social Context and Community Connections:
The players listed represent a cross-section of the Bertrand community in 1962. Researching these individuals can reveal family connections, social networks, and the role of high school sports within the broader community fabric. These connections enrich the historical context of the roster and offer a glimpse into the lives of these young athletes beyond the football field.
Connecting these individual player details back to the 1962 Bertrand High School football roster paints a more complete picture of the team, its dynamics, and its place within the community. Further research utilizing local archives, yearbooks, and newspaper articles can enhance this understanding, providing a richer narrative of the season and the individuals who shaped it.
2. Coaches
The coaching staff plays a crucial role in shaping a team’s identity, performance, and overall experience. Within the context of a 1962 Bertrand High School football roster, the coaches represent the leadership and strategic direction that influenced the players and the season’s outcomes. Examining the coaching staff provides insights into the team’s overall philosophy, tactical approach, and the impact on player development.
- Head Coach’s Influence:
The head coach’s leadership sets the tone for the entire team. Their coaching style, strategic decisions, and motivational techniques directly impact player performance and team dynamics. Understanding the head coach’s background, experience, and coaching philosophy provides valuable context for interpreting the team’s successes and challenges during the 1962 season.
- Assistant Coaches’ Roles:
Assistant coaches contribute specialized expertise in specific areas of the game, such as offense, defense, or special teams. Their contributions complement the head coach’s overall strategy and provide focused training for different player groups. Identifying the assistant coaches and their areas of focus illuminates the team’s tactical approach and player development strategies.
- Coaching Strategies and Game Plans:
While specific game plans from 1962 may be difficult to obtain, researching the coaching staff’s preferred offensive and defensive schemes can offer insights into the team’s playing style. Understanding their tactical preferences helps to interpret game outcomes and assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Impact on Player Development:
Coaches play a significant role in nurturing player talent and fostering individual growth. Their mentorship, training regimens, and motivational techniques influence player development both on and off the field. Examining the coaching staff’s approach to player development provides context for individual player achievements and the team’s overall progress throughout the season.
Connecting the coaching staff to the 1962 Bertrand High School football roster offers a deeper understanding of the team’s dynamics, strategic approach, and overall performance. Further research into local newspapers, yearbooks, and school archives may uncover additional details about the coaching staff’s contributions and their lasting impact on the players and the community.
3. Season Statistics
Season statistics provide a quantifiable measure of a team’s performance and offer valuable context for understanding the 1962 Bertrand High School football roster. These statistics transform the roster from a simple list of names into a record of achievement, capturing the team’s successes, challenges, and overall narrative throughout the season. Statistical analysis reveals patterns in team performance, highlights individual player contributions, and offers a deeper understanding of the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
For example, a team’s win-loss record provides an immediate overview of their overall success. Examining points scored and points allowed reveals offensive and defensive effectiveness. Individual player statistics, such as rushing yards, passing completions, tackles, and interceptions, further illuminate individual contributions and their impact on game outcomes. Analyzing these statistics within the context of specific games played reveals tactical successes, turning points, and areas for improvement. Perhaps the team excelled in close games, demonstrating resilience under pressure, or maybe they dominated opponents with a powerful running game. Statistical analysis reveals these patterns and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the team’s performance.
However, accessing detailed statistical records for high school sports teams from 1962 can present challenges. Local newspapers from that time period serve as a primary source, but complete records may not always be available. School yearbooks sometimes include season summaries, offering valuable statistical insights. Additionally, contacting local historical societies or the school’s athletic department might uncover archived statistical data. While challenges exist, the potential insights gained from analyzing season statistics provide a crucial dimension to understanding the 1962 Bertrand High School football team and its players. This statistical lens adds depth and meaning to the roster, transforming it into a dynamic record of athletic achievement within a specific historical context.
4. Community Impact
The 1962 Bertrand High School football season, and the roster representing its players, likely held significant meaning for the local community. High school sports often serve as a focal point for community pride and engagement, particularly in smaller towns. Exploring the community impact provides valuable context for understanding the social and cultural significance of the team and its roster during that era.
- School Spirit and Identity:
The football team likely played a central role in fostering school spirit and shaping Bertrand High School’s identity within the community. Friday night games provided a social gathering point, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences among students, families, and residents. The team’s successes and challenges became intertwined with the community’s collective identity, influencing local conversations and generating shared emotions.
- Local Businesses and Economy:
Home football games could have provided an economic boost to local businesses. Restaurants, gas stations, and other establishments likely experienced increased traffic on game days, benefiting from the influx of fans and supporters. The team’s performance and the resulting community engagement could have had a tangible impact on the local economy.
- Social Cohesion and Community Building:
Shared experiences, such as attending football games, often contribute to social cohesion within a community. The 1962 football season likely provided opportunities for residents to connect, interact, and build relationships. The team’s performance served as a common topic of conversation, fostering a sense of shared identity and community pride.
- Generational Impact and Legacy:
The 1962 football season, its players, and the coaching staff likely left a lasting legacy within the community. Stories about the team’s achievements, individual player accomplishments, and memorable games could have been passed down through generations, shaping community narratives and contributing to local history. The roster serves as a tangible link to this past, preserving the memory of those involved and their impact on the community.
Examining the community impact of the 1962 Bertrand High School football season enriches our understanding of the roster’s significance. The team represented more than just a collection of players; it embodied community pride, fostered social connections, and contributed to the town’s collective identity. Exploring local archives, newspapers, and community narratives can reveal further insights into the lasting legacy of the 1962 team and its enduring impact on Bertrand.
5. Historical Context
Understanding the 1962 Bertrand High School football season requires situating it within the broader historical context of the early 1960s. This era marked a period of significant social, political, and cultural change in the United States, influencing the lives of individuals and communities across the nation. The Cold War loomed large, shaping national anxieties and influencing domestic policy. The Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, challenging racial segregation and advocating for equality. These national and global events formed the backdrop against which the 1962 football season unfolded, influencing the experiences of the players, coaches, and the community.
Consider the potential impact of the Cold War on the team and community. The ever-present threat of nuclear conflict likely permeated daily life, influencing perspectives and priorities. Civil defense drills and public awareness campaigns served as constant reminders of international tensions. This atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety could have influenced the community’s perception of the football season, perhaps providing a welcome distraction from global concerns or fostering a heightened sense of local unity in the face of external threats. The roster itself reflects the demographic makeup of Bertrand at the time, potentially revealing the impact of broader social and economic trends on the community.
Furthermore, the early 1960s witnessed significant cultural shifts. The rise of rock and roll music, the emergence of youth counterculture, and evolving social norms likely influenced the experiences of the young athletes on the team. Examining the 1962 football season through this historical lens adds depth and complexity to its narrative. The roster becomes more than just a list of names; it represents a snapshot of young men navigating adolescence within a specific historical moment, shaped by the prevailing social, political, and cultural forces of the time. Further research into local newspapers, yearbooks, and community histories can provide deeper insights into the interplay between the 1962 football season and the broader historical context in which it unfolded.
6. Genealogical Research
A 1962 Bertrand High School football roster can serve as a valuable resource for genealogical research, offering a tangible link to family history. Rosters provide more than just names; they offer a snapshot of a specific moment in time, connecting individuals to their ancestors and the community in which they lived. For descendants of players or coaches, the roster represents a starting point for exploring family narratives and uncovering details about their ancestors’ lives. Locating a relative’s name on the roster can spark further investigation, prompting searches for photographs, yearbooks, newspaper articles, and other historical records that paint a richer picture of their involvement with the team and the broader community. The roster can also reveal family connections within the community, identifying teammates who may have been relatives or close family friends.
Consider the example of a researcher discovering their grandfather’s name on the roster. This discovery could lead to stories about his athletic abilities, his role on the team, and his high school experiences. Family members might recall anecdotes about his time at Bertrand High School, adding personal details and emotional resonance to the genealogical research. The roster could also prompt connections with other descendants of players or coaches, fostering a sense of shared history and community. Sharing memories and information among descendants enriches the research process, creating a collaborative exploration of family history and community heritage. This collective effort transforms the roster from a simple document into a catalyst for intergenerational storytelling and historical preservation.
However, utilizing a roster for genealogical research presents potential challenges. Incomplete or inaccurate records, common in historical documents, can hinder the research process. Identifying individuals with common names requires careful cross-referencing with other sources to confirm familial connections. Despite these challenges, the potential rewards of connecting with family history through a 1962 Bertrand High School football roster make it a valuable tool for genealogical exploration. It offers a tangible starting point for uncovering family stories, understanding community history, and preserving the legacies of those who shaped Bertrand’s past.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding historical high school football rosters, specifically focusing on the potential challenges and research strategies associated with locating and interpreting such records.
Question 1: Where can one find a 1962 Bertrand High School football roster?
Potential sources include the school’s administrative office, alumni association, local libraries, historical societies, online genealogy websites (like Ancestry.com), newspaper archives, and alumni groups.
Question 2: What information is typically included on a high school football roster from 1962?
Rosters usually list player names and their positions. Some might include additional details like jersey numbers, height, weight, or even class year. However, the level of detail can vary significantly.
Question 3: How can one verify the accuracy of information found on a historical roster?
Cross-referencing information with multiple sources, such as yearbooks, newspaper articles, and photographs, strengthens the reliability of the data. Consulting with alumni or local historians can also provide valuable validation.
Question 4: What challenges might researchers encounter when searching for a roster from 1962?
Incomplete records, variations in record-keeping practices, and the passage of time can pose challenges. The digital availability of such records may be limited, requiring more traditional research methods.
Question 5: Beyond the roster, what other resources can provide insights into a historical high school football team?
Yearbooks, local newspapers, school archives, community histories, and personal recollections from alumni can offer valuable context, enriching the narrative beyond the basic roster information.
Question 6: How can historical high school sports rosters benefit genealogical research?
Rosters can connect individuals to their ancestors, reveal family connections within a community, and provide a starting point for exploring family narratives within a specific historical context.
Locating and interpreting historical records requires patience, persistence, and a multi-faceted approach. While challenges exist, the potential rewards of uncovering historical information and connecting with the past make the research process worthwhile.
Further exploration into the specific individuals listed on the roster, the team’s performance during the 1962 season, and the broader community context will provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of Bertrand High School football during that era.
Conclusion
Exploration of a 1962 Bertrand High School football roster reveals more than a simple list of names. It offers a glimpse into the lives of young athletes, the dynamics of a team, and the social fabric of a community during a specific historical moment. Analysis of player positions, coaching strategies, season statistics, and community impact provides a multi-faceted perspective on the team’s significance. Furthermore, placing the roster within the broader historical context of the early 1960s adds depth and complexity to its narrative, highlighting the influence of national and global events on local experiences. The roster’s potential for genealogical research underscores its value as a tangible link to family history and community heritage.
Continued research into local archives, newspapers, yearbooks, and community narratives promises to uncover further insights into the 1962 Bertrand High School football season and its lasting impact. Preserving and interpreting such historical records contributes to a deeper understanding of community identity, athletic achievement, and the evolving social landscape of small-town America during a transformative era.
