Undefeated 1959 Syracuse Orangemen   

This past fall former high school football players of Coach Dave Appelhof honored him and his family at the Skaneateles Country Club, Skaneateles, New York.   

Appelhof, who played under legendary Coach Ben Schwartzwalder at Syracuse University, was a center on the 1959 Syracuse University NCAA National Championship Team, finishing the season undefeated and untied.  The 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis was a member of that team and named MVP of the 1960 New Years Day Cotton Bowl victory over Darryl Royal’s University of Texas Longhorns.   

Upon graduation Appelhof began a teaching and coaching career that eventually brought him to Skaneateles, New York where his varsity football teams would lose only eight games from 1961-1965.  His 1962 team was undefeated and untied as they captured the Southern Division Championship of Onondaga County averaging 32 points per game to 3 points for their opponents.

Skaneateles 1962 Champs

Skaneateles football players honoring Coach Appelhof reached out to Helmet Hut to make this night one to remember.  Helmet Hut personnel were able to reproduce not only the two Skaneateles Football helmets worn during Appelhof’s tenure at that school but also reproduced a replica of his number #53 Syracuse helmet he wore during his playing days at Syracuse University.  Held below by Eric & Tanya Holloran & Neil & Susan Holloran (sons & wives of Skaneateles player). 

Coach Appelhof’s wife Diane (below), son Greg and grandson Ryan presented him with his Syracuse helmet at the close of a great evening of memories.