1983 COVINGTON BUCCANEERS

In the first year of new coach Charlie Burgbacher, the Buccaneers sported a different look.

1983 Covington Buccaneers – Front Row: Kelly Deeter, Dan Kilm, Jeff Frock, Jason Kingrey, Dave Daniels, Chris Graves, Tony Perrine, Dave Sampson, Joe Christian, Glen Hollopeter, Mark Barnhart, Steve Dunn. Second Row: Rob Kritzberger, Rick Looker, Bill Wise, Nate Etter, Ben Turner, Nate Whiteman, Scott McDade, Rob Ryan, Marc Bayse, Dennis Ingle, Dave Althoff, Daren Cecil, Bob Hague. Third Row: Lee Yantis, Craig Turner, Doug Kilm, Jim Stickley, Andy Ingle, John Boehringer, Butch Boehringer, Bill Besecker, Matt pond, Andy Kenworthy, Rodney Kimmel, Mike Hagen, Eric Sotzing, Ty Owens, Rich Lauber. Fourth Row: Jeff Longendelpher, Manager, Scott Yantis, Brent Young, Keith Ponchillia, Errett Butler, Nick Bitner, Dana Taylor, Rich Phillis, Bill Miller, Brian Olson, Scott Tayler, Rick Seman, Jeff DeMoss, Shane Long. Back Row: Coach Burgbacher, Coach Huelsman, Coach Fisher, Coach Barbee.
Charlie Burgbacher

Replacing the winningest coach in school history in Larrie Tisdale isn’t the most ideal situation to be in, but new Buccaneer coach Charlie Burgbacher is already adding his own touch to Covington football.

With a new look helmet consisting of a sword with “Buccs” on one side instead of the traditional “C” logo, which has been in place for over a decade, coach Burgbacher led his Buccs to a winning season in his first year at the helm.

Expectations coming into the season were very high as 17 seniors returned after a disappointing 3-7 record a year ago. The Buccs were chosen as one of the favorites to challenge Versailles and Miami East for the SRC crown.

The season couldn’t have started off any worse for the Buccs as they were shut out for the second year in a row by hated rival Bradford, 25-0. It was the first time in school history Covington was shut out by Bradford over two straight years and only the second time the Buccs have been beaten by the Railroaders in two straight seasons.

After gaining its first win over Twin Valley South 21-14, Covington fell hard again, this time to Arcanum 30-0. Suddenly a season filled with high expectations was turning into a season of disappointment.

But, Covington regrouped over the next two weeks by defeating Tipp City 29-13 and Graham 40-12 to improve 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SRC.

In their first key conference game the Buccs couldn’t stand up to the test as a powerful Miami East team dominated for a 26-6 win.

Covington again regrouped to defeat Springfield Catholic Central 34-28, but all hopes of challenging for the SRC title were dashed in a 13-0 loss to Versailles.

With the threat of a second straight losing seasons staring the Buccs in the face, they won their last two games of the season by defeating Lehman 21-0 and Milton Union 29-6 to finish 6-4.

Coach Burgbacher and the Buccaneers have their work cut out for them next season as they will have to fill holes left behind by the 17 seniors who will be lost to graduation. Fortunately, the reserve squad showed promise with a 5-2-2 record.

A Buccaneer Through and Through!
Glen Hollopeter, a 1984 graduate and senior on the 1983 football team, has been a avid Buccaneer supporter over the years. He has generated thousands of dollars through fundraisers and donations, which has benefited not only Covington football, but all Covington athletic programs. Glen also established the “Bucc Bash”, an annual auction which began as a fundraiser for the weight room completed in 2005. He has also volunteered his time to work with Covington youth in the annual Kid’s Football Camp, and as a volunteer coach for the high school football program. During his four years as a student/athlete at Covington High School, Hollopeter participated in football and wrestling.

1983 BUCCS - 6-4

OPPONENT

SCORE

Bradford

0-25

Twin Valley South

21-14

Arcanum

0-30

Tipp City

29-13

Graham

40-12

Miami East

6-26

Springfield Catholic

34-28

Versailles

0-13

Lehman

21-0

Milton-Union

29-6

1983 Buccaneer Cheerleaders – Kim Cool, Ronda Seman, Linda McMaken, DeAnn Kiehl, Julie Mong, Chris Sellman.
The Buccaneer offense goes to work.
Assistant coach Bob Huelsman talks with fullback Dave Sampson on the sideline.