University of Virginia Library

Rather Large

At 6 feet, 9 inches, and 290
pounds Naponick was the most
conspicuous of the 21 scholarship
boys which later were labeled the
"21 jewels." That freshman team
lost but one game and was supposed
to make the Wahoos one of
the best teams in the ACC the following
year.

He fared well his first year,
leaving a big impression on most
people that he faced. But during
the summer practice before his
varsity debut, Naponick began to
have leg trouble. Nevertheless he
started against Wake Forest at
middle defensive guard, although
he did not do well because of
his leg which later was found
to have a calcium deposit. This
defect ended his first season as a
Wahoo.