Bay City Football DVD produced by Bay County Sports Hall of Fame.

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Only Archival Film of Engel Era Football Preserved by Sports Hall of Fame

Central Films From 1953 and 1972 and Handy Grid Action in 1972 Available

December 4, 2010
By: Dave Rogers

The only known existing films of the Coach Elmer Engel era football have been located and preserved on DVD by the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame.

A 69 minute DVD has been produced from archival footage obtained from the late Mr. Engel by Paul Drzyzga, an Essexville business executive and former Central gridiron star, and transferred from 16 millimeter film.

In addition, Phil Zanotti, Handy graduate, coach and teacher, has contributed footage from two Handy games, one a 30-6 victory over Pontiac in 1972 and the other Engel's last game, a 20-14 Central victory over Handy, also in 1972.

"These are priceless films that we are happy to have been a part of preserving," said O.J. Cunningham, president of the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame.

Central's record in 1972 was 9-0 and the team was honored with the mythical state championship, Engel's last of five. His career began in 1950 in Bay City and the overall record of his teams was 165-34-8. A University of Illinois end and Marine officer in World War II, he was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame.

The DVD also includes photos and film from Central High in 1942, contributed by Stan Vallender.

Preservation and copying of the films was done by Ron O'Laughlin of Shamrock Video. DVDs are available for $25 from Dave Rogers, 686-5544. ###