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For those of you who don't know, Bill Cyprow was one of our great tackles for the Rebels. I vividly remember his strength and fierceness in the line both in games and in practice.
Always on the fun side, he would laugh heartily at (usually not "with") me as I either would tell my view of something or a story of sorts, especially while we were working out in the weight room. He, with Toby Belt and Bruce Ripper, achieved body builder status, almost. Bill liked to used to eat, as I recall. But he brought good education, scientific information and valued instruction to those of us who were not in his league regarding development of physical strength.
Bill was also my friend. I hope his life was good. From what I understand, it truly was.
If anyone with the correct information would like to write a proper obituary for Bill, you are invited to do so. Post it below and I will republish it in this location.
Jesse Skip Collins
administration@westburyhshouston.com
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Sue Gibson (Wright) (1964)
We lived in a home with huge trees out front, usually hung with Spanish moss. But on the day I am recalling, Mother and I came home to find something entirely different hanging from the trees.
Mother and I had been out running errands and were returning home. As we turned the corner onto our street, a look of astonishment came across her face and she said, "What in the world is that?"
I leaned across and looked out the driver's side window to see Bill and Jerry hanging from the limbs of one of those trees, making the most outrageous attempts at monkey sounds one can imagine. They were each hanging by one arm, while scratching their ribs with the opposite hands, and obviously having the time of their lives.
Mother had a hard time stopping the car and getting it into park. We were both laughing and crying at the same time. As we made it out of the car and fell onto the grass under the swinging twosome, Mother did the motherly thing and gasped for them to "come down this minute before you break your necks". This only served to encourage them, and the swinging and shrieking must have continued for another 10 minutes.
About that time, the drapes in the windows of our neighbors's homes began to be pulled back so they could see what in the world was going on at the Gibson's house. They had become used to the occasional toilet tissue hanging from the trees, but the invasion of hairy teenaged boys was enough to provoke some discussion around their dinner tables that night.
Remembering with lots of joy,
Sue Gibson Wright '64
Jesse (Skip) Collins (1964)
What a funny funny and fine story about two of our best interior linemen on Westbury's football team. I wondered where they got their strengths. Now I know.
You are right Sue. I did find this very enjoyable. Thanks for telling me about it. And more, thanks for putting it up for us all to read about Bill Cyprow and Jerry Walker, two fine Westbury Rebel tackles and guards, depending on what side of the chalk line they might be playing at any time. And I guess the school is lucky, too, that neither fell out of that tree while hanging upside down!
Good story!!!! And beautifully written! Maybe later you'll allow it to be reprinted in the Westbury Stories section. It should be there, too.
Skip Collins
Robert Morrell (1964)
Bill was in our DECCA class my senior year. Mrs. Rose had a mandatory (everything usually was
with her-and I say that with respect), and she asked each student to do some talent item,
to show the group. I sang a short country song with another student--and Bill, who was smoking
a cigarette. put it in his mouth and it disappeared. Never saw anything like it.
Always will remember Bill's big broad smile and humor. A great guy to be around.
Bob Morrell