Football, Service, and a City United — November 24, 1944

By 1944, the Save-An-Eye All-Star Football Game had grown beyond a Thanksgiving tradition. It had become a citywide cause.

On Friday, November 24, 1944, Erie’s mayor formally proclaimed “Save An Eye Day”, urging citizens to attend the game and support the Lions Club’s mission of providing eye care to children in need. At a time when the nation was still at war, the community answered the call.

 

“Save An Eye Day” Proclaimed

Mayor Charlie R. Barber declared November 24, 1944 as Save An Eye Day in Erie, noting that since the Lions Club began the project:

“More than 2,200 pairs of glasses have been distributed without cost to worthy children.”

He encouraged all citizens to purchase tickets and attend the game so that “many more needy children who have defective eyesight may be helped through this project.”

This proclamation elevated the game from a fundraiser to a civic movement.

 

East Prevails in a Tightly Fought Battle

On the field that night, the East All-Stars defeated the West, 13–6, in a hard-fought contest that featured timely defense, leadership at quarterback, and late-game heroics .

 

Game Highlights

• Eddie Pasky (Academy) scored all 13 East points, rushing for two 1-yard touchdowns and kicking the extra point

• Pasky sealed the win with a game-saving interception on the 1-yard line in the final minute

• Bill Roach (Academy) intercepted a pass earlier to help set up the decisive score

• The West’s lone touchdown came on a 10-yard pass from Joe Cerami (Strong Vincent) to Ray Dombrowski (Tech)

• The West extra-point attempt, kicked by Art Arkelian (Strong Vincent), was blocked

 

Standout Performances

• Ralph Hooven (Lawrence Park) played every minute for the East

• Other East standouts included Don Faller, Chuck Hagmann, Bob Reinwald, and Bill Roach

• West leaders included Jim Mahoney (Prep), Bill Rausch (Girard), Tom Wells (Millcreek), Ray Oldach (Prep), Joe Cerami, Ray Dombrowski, and Art Arkelian

 

A Living Legacy: Art Arkelian

One of the most meaningful connections between the early Save-An-Eye Games and modern Erie sports history is Art Arkelian.

Arkelian represented Strong Vincent in the 1944 game and later became one of Erie’s most influential sports promoters. Even decades later, he spoke with pride about being selected:

“It meant an awful lot to be selected to play in the Save-An-Eye Game… even though we lost the game, it still brings back wonderful memories.”

He credited the experience with forming friendships that lasted a lifetime — including relationships with teammates and even future medical providers — a testament to the lasting bonds created by the game .

The Coaches Who Shaped the Era

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Lowell Drake

East Head Coach | Academy High School

By 1944, Lowell Drake had become the defining coaching figure of the early Save-An-Eye era. Leading the East once again, Drake’s leadership and credibility anchored the game during wartime and helped sustain its growth.

The 1944 coach photograph is the best surviving image of Drake from this period and should be used in place of earlier years where photography is limited .

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Sam Kramer

West Head Coach | Strong Vincent

Kramer continued his steady presence as West head coach, mentoring players like Art Arkelian and reinforcing the strong Vincent–Lions Club connection that shaped the game’s identity .

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1944 All-Star Rosters

Erie County Represented Together

The 1944 rosters once again unified schools across the region:

East Schools:
Academy, North East, Lawrence Park, Harbor Creek, East, Wesleyville, Union City, Waterford, Corry

West Schools:
Strong Vincent, Fairview, Tech, Edinboro, Albion, Girard, Cathedral Prep, Millcreek