SPIRE Summer 2019

alumni

Ralph A.“Pete” Petrone Remembering

R ight before a Bluefield College alumnus passed away in late January, he was presented a gift on behalf of the College. Ralph A. “Pete” Petrone was the oldest living former Bluefield College football player, at the time, and a member of BC’s Sports Hall of Fame. At the age of 99, Petrone was presented a Bluefield College Rams football helmet which was signed by the Rams coaches and players. Head Football Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, Dewey Lusk, and Director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts, Hal Keene, presented Petrone’s special helmet on January 23, 2019, at his home. When Petrone was asked how he felt about this honor, he replied by saying, “I’d rather be the youngest!” When Petrone first came to play football at BC in the late 1930s, he was given a partial scholarship. After his successful first season, he was awarded a full scholarship from head coach B.E. Lenoir. Petrone never had the opportunity to play football growing up. He mainly focused on working hard and helping provide for his family. Bluefield College allowed him to play the sport he loved.

When Petrone was 18 years old, he was working at a local wood mill in Worcester, Massachusetts, the place he called home. He made his journey to the small town of Bluefield, Virginia, after luckily running into Dr. Edwin Wade, president of the College. Dr. Wade was in hopes of finding one of Petrone’s buddies to come and play football for the College. Petrone took the initiative to ask if he could also play ball for Bluefield. Petrone said, “The rest, as they say, is history.” Petrone passed away on January 27, 2019, just four days after being presented his helmet. Bluefield College proudly remembers the life and legacy of Ralph A. “Pete” Petrone. All that knew him at Bluefield College were blessed that he asked if he could play football too. Story submitted by BC student marketing associate Kaleigh Compton

24