CATAMOUNT MOMENTS

In 1970, community support for Catamount Stadium was still very strong in Milton, Vermont. So, when that green new teacher, Bill Ladabouche, suggested that his school, then called The Milton Middle School, hold a model show to help kick off the new Catamount, everyone responded with enthusiasm - including Catamount. Catamount's Ken Miller lined up some coverage through Vermont's largest newspaper, The Burlington Free Press. School custodian Tracy Ryan, Sr. arranged for his son - in - law, Don Bevins, to bring his beautiful purple and black Dodge late model sportsman to show the kids, and a good time was had by all. One of the delighted kids won the model contest, and one and all went home feeling happy. Bevins won two features at Catamount with that car before hooking up with Canadian legend Jean-Paul Cabana. But, never again would Don win another feature.

Below, are some pictures from that wonderful evening in late Spring, in Milton, Vermont.

Don stops the car to pose for my camera and for his newspaper photo.	Don is talking to car builder and chief mechanic Gil Rhoades, Sr.	As the car comes to a halt, Principal Dick Stewart [white shirt] talks to him as builder Gil Rhoades, Sr. [black shirt] looks on above the hood.	Don gets out to join a group of parents and his young admirers.
Several 5th and 6th graders pose with Bevins for the newspaper photo. The tallest boy is Dave Robar, whose dad would go on to own Beaver Dragon's yellow #75 for years. Little did Dave know that then.	The Catamount representative [white shirt and tie] starts around the back of the car to talk to Stewart.	Fifth grader Dennis Leach [now in his mid forties] turns around as I begin to shout out instructions to go display their models inside the gym.	A youngster admires a few of my models displayed on the trunk lid of Bevins' car. Note the #67 Joe Couture Ford.

Bevins with his Cabana - built 1968 Chevelle, about two years after the model show.	Bevins with his Cabana - built 1968 Chevelle, about two years after the model show.	A few years after the model show, Bob Dragon and Beaver [background to the left] came to school and showed their cars. A week or so late, Beaver's car would be nearly totaled at Oxford..	One of my models - a 1937 Chevrolet dirt sportsman coupe, like those run at Fonda in the 1960's.