1940

1940: Ice, Grit, and a Growing Tradition

The Second Save-An-Eye All-Star Football Game

One year after its successful debut, the Save-An-Eye All-Star Football Game returned on December 6, 1940, proving that the Erie Lions Club’s new tradition was here to stay. While the mission remained unchanged — raising funds to provide vision care for children — the second game tested players and fans in ways no one could have predicted.

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A Game Played on Ice

If the first Save-An-Eye Game was remembered for mud, the second was defined by ice.

The Stadium field was coated with ice several inches thick in spots, making footing nearly impossible. By halftime, many players abandoned cleats for sneakers in an attempt to stay upright. Bales of straw were placed on the sidelines so players could bury their feet to keep warm between series .

Despite the brutal conditions, the game went on — a testament to the toughness of the era’s athletes.

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East Turns the Tables

After falling to the West in the inaugural game, the East All-Stars responded with a hard-fought 12–7 victory, evening the young series at one win apiece .

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Scoring Highlights

• West Strike First:
  Bob Gay of Millcreek threw a touchdown pass to Jack Lally of Cathedral Prep in the first quarter, setting up a 7–0 West lead .

• East Answers:
  Ray “Jambers” Wisniewski of Tech scored on a 5-yard run in the second quarter after a blocked punt recovery set up the drive .

• The Deciding Moment:
  In the third quarter, Walter Lundstrom of East intercepted a pass and returned it 46–53 yards for the game-winning touchdown, with a key block from Clarence Cray of Tech .

Final Score: East 12, West 7

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Fans Brave the Cold

The icy conditions limited attendance to approximately 1,200 fans, but those who came embraced the moment. According to reports, some younger spectators attempted to warm up by building a small bonfire in the stands — quickly extinguished by police — adding another memorable chapter to Save-An-Eye lore .

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Coaches Who Defined the Early Era

Much like the inaugural game, leadership came from the county’s most respected football minds:

• East Head Coach: Eddie Abramoski (East High School)

• West Head Coach: Lowell Drake (Academy High School)

Drake’s continued involvement helped cement the game’s credibility, while the rotating assistants from schools across the county reinforced the all-star nature of the event .

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1940 All-Star Rosters

(A true county-wide representation)

The 1940 rosters again reflected the Lions Club’s commitment to inclusion, with athletes selected from across Erie County high schools.

• East Team: Tech, East, Wesleyville, Lawrence Park, North East, Harbor Creek, Union City, Waterford

• West Team: Academy, Strong Vincent, Cathedral Prep, Millcreek, Fairview, Girard, Albion, McKean, Edinboro

(Full rosters preserved in the official 1940 game records)

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More Than a Game

By its second year, the Save-An-Eye Game had already proven it was more than a one-time event. Despite miserable weather and a smaller crowd, the commitment from players, coaches, fans, and the Lions Club never wavered.

What began in 1939 had now become a tradition rooted in resilience, community pride, and service — values that would carry the game forward for decades.