Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Unfortunately, toward the end of 2021, the Williamsburg Blue Pirate athletic fraternity lost three special members.

As basketball players at W.H.S., all three were senior starters and each one was on Juniata Valley League championship squads and then played in games for the District “ 6” title, as well.

Ron Robeson ('55), along with senior contributors Ed Allender, Phil Over, Al Shaffer and John Burger won the school’s second JVL championship after close to a 20 year drought (1936). Coach Bill Casper’s squad ('54-'55) went 22-3 and advanced to the District final before losing to Southmont at Roosevelt J.H. (Altoona).

Robeson, who also excelled in football and baseball, led the team and Blair County in scoring. He once tallied 52 points in a single game and the 6’2”, solidly built center finished his career with 1117 points. Robeson was also the Pirates’ leading rebounder, and after the '54-'55 season ended, he stood as the county’s all time leading scorer.

Ron served in the U.S. Air Force and then spent 33 years with the U.S. Postal Service in Altoona.

Allen “Breezy” Reed was a starting guard on the 1961-62 Blue Pirate squad that went undefeated in J.V.L. play while capturing the school’s seventh league title. Coach Dick Buckley’s team went 18-6 after losing to Gallitzin in the District “6”-C final by 2 points at Holidaysburg. Buckley’s Pirates earned eight straight league championships, consecutively, from 1961 through 1968.

“Breezy,” as he was known to all, was a fierce and determined competitor. He also loved and played football, participating in several alumni games after graduation.

Seniors joining Reed in the starting lineup were Bob Kagarise, Larry Ross, and Don Appleman. For me, personally, “Breezy” was a lifelong and loyal friend. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran and lived most of his life in Williamsburg.

Just before the holidays, we received the devastating news that Jason W. Eggleston, a 1984 W.H.S. graduate, and an outstanding student athlete, passed unexpectedly in Topsham, Maine, where he resided with devoted wife, Terri, and special daughters, Alisha and Rachel.

Jason had always “worked out” regularly and gave every indication that he was in excellent health. Recently, he was honored, posthumously, at a home high school basketball game by his community, where he was loved and respected by everyone.

While at W.H.S., Jason played three years of junior varsity and varsity basketball for coaches Dave Baker and Don Appleman. At the junior high level, Jason was a starter on the 1980-81 undefeated Blue Pirate junior high team coached by Jerry Campbell.

As a senior captain of the 1983-84 Williamsburg squad, Jason was joined by fellow senior starters, Rick Brown and Keith Frye. Eggleston was the leading scorer on a team that would go (26-6), win the school’s 25th J.V.L. title, and our 11th District “6”-A boys’ championship. We now have 13.

Jason was a gifted outside shooter, who would have taken delight in the “three-point” line, not yet a part of the high school game in 1984.

Jason was still actively competing in the game he loved and enjoyed. Most importantly, he spent his life giving to others and will be truly missed.

Our thanks to all three former Blue Pirates: Ron Robeson, Allen Reed, and Jason Eggleston for their special contributions to our school, community, and nation. May they rest in eternal peace.

Good luck to all our local winter athletes as they prepare for season ending tournament play. Create a legacy of your own!

Respectfully and in Appreciation,

Don K. Appleman

W.H.S. Class of 1962