STORIES FROM THE PAST

50 years ago

Ground was broken this morning for an 11,000-square-foot completely equipped photo laboratory at the El Centro Naval Air Facility. The lab, which will process all film required in joint operations including stills, 16-35-70 mm black and white color films, will cost an estimated $400,000.

Capt. Claude Roesner, commanding officer Recovery System at the Air Facility, said his group tested all facilities for recovery of Apollo 7, although even should the flight be aborted and the capsule and three astronauts descend in the Pacific within striking distance of the base the actual recovery of the capsule would be a joint naval and Naval Air arm operation and the El Centro facility would not participate.

All parachutes and recovery equipment is tested at the facility. The facility is divided into two sections, the Recovery System under command of Capt. Roesner and the 6511th Test Group.

40 years ago

Former All-Pro Roman Gabriel didn’t put in an appearance at Imperial on Saturday night but son Robin did, and that was enough for the Imperial Valley College Arabs.

Roman is listed as an assistant coach for the College of the Desert Roadrunners. Robin has started several games in 1978 at quarterback for coach Ray Butcher’s club.

The Roadrunners opened the Desert Conference football chase by visiting IVC in Tiger Country. The defending champions enjoyed themselves in a 38-13 victory.

COD had a fearful first half before gaining control of the contest’s progress. Gary Kollenborn’s Arabs had a surprising 10-7 advantage after two quarters.

Gabriel’s fine quarterbacking for COD didn’t grab the game’s spotlight. The outstanding individual effort came from kicking specialist Brad Villanueva of IVC.

Villanueva, with father Sammy sitting in the stands, brought back memories of uncle Danny, who kicked from placement in the National Football League.

The Roadrunners were ahead, 7-0, when Villanueva set up to attempt a 47-yard field goal. Astonished fans watched the ball split the uprights perfectly.

P.A. announcer Max Fields announced the distance was an IVC record. Villanueva later booted one extra point and added a second field goal of 35 yards.

The IVC Pep Squad raffled off the game ball at halftime. Sammy Villanueva won the ball, the same one his son used to kick the record 47-yard field goal.

30 years ago

CALEXICO — This is a season of firsts for the Calexico High Football team.

When the Bulldogs beat Brawley two weeks ago it was their first win against the Wildcats since 1982.

Friday night the Bulldogs followed that win with their first victory against Indio, 27-12, in eight years. Sandwiched between the two games was a win against Palo Verde, marking the first time since 1974 the Bulldogs (4-2 overall) have started out the Desert Valley League season 3-0.

But coach Ed Bilderback isn’t one to rest on his laurels.