Derby History Quiz

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Bob Skoronski (L) and Buddy Amendola at the Orange Bowl in 1955

In 1955, the small city of Derby had the unique distinction of having two of its favorite sons play in the North South Shrine All Star game played in the Orange Bowl in Miami. They played on the North Team which lost to the South in the game by a score of 6 - 0.

Though Bob Skoronski and Buddy Amendola took different paths to get there, they shared the honor of being captains and leading players on their college teams. Bob Skoronski's exploits have been highlighted as part of a history quiz (click here to read more), but in 1955 he was the co-captain of his Indiana University team after playing his high school ball at Fairfield Prep. He was named Most Valuable Player at Indiana in his senior year and won All Big Ten honors as well.

 

Buddy Amendola played his ball at Derby High School before moving on to a fantastic career at the University of Connecticut where he twice captained his team and led by example both on and off the field. During his senior season, a rash of injuries to the team necessitated Amendola's move to center from the fullback position in the middle of the year. He was still named a "Little" All American and was also named as the captain of the All New England team. He was also presented with UCONN's prestigious Alumin "C" Club Award emblematic of "an outstanding senior who has shown excellence in scholarship, citizenship and athletics." The Amendola Athletic Complex behind Bradley School is named in his honor.

Correct answers were received from: Jim Sheehy, John M. Rak, Joe Dedo, Ann Searles, Nick from Terryville, Frank from St. Pete, Mayor Marc J. Garofalo, Eddie Calvert, Mary Suess,  Millie from Ansonia, Randy Ritter, Jack Moran, Richard Senfield, Jack Skelding and Tony Cannici.

Half credit goes to: Robert Loftus and Ken Dupke.

To see our other earlier quizzes and learn more about Derby's unique history, click here.