Bruce Capel: The Original Hitter
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Glenbard West Football players are known, collectively, as "The Hitters" as a tribute to Bruce Capel--the GWHS graduate who lived and died with an amazing adherence to the highest values. Watch the 5-minunte YouTube video (at left) to learn more about him. On this page, you can read the YouTube script.
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This story shows how one man, even in his death, can set an example for always trying your hardest. Bruce Capel had a short life, but one lived with such values that even now, 52 years later, his life has become both legend--and lesson.
His name is John Bruce Capel, but everyone called him Bruce. A graduate of Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Bruce was everyone’s favorite. Tall, handsome, kind, and thoughtful, Bruce was also the star player on the football team. He could play so well and hit so hard that the coach would call him “The Hitter.” His number was 50. |
Bruce goes to University of Illinois, wins Rose Bowl
After graduating from high school, Bruce played football for the University of Illinois where he played with Dick Butkus. Together, they won the Rose Bowl. But Bruce couldn’t keep number 50 because Butkus already claimed it, so Bruce took the next number up, 51. This is important, because Chicago still honors number 51, as you will learn in a moment.
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He joins the Marines, is shipped to Vietnam, and is ambushedIt was after college that Bruce went into the Marine Corps where he played football. But Bruce told the Marines that he didn’t join the Corps to play football. He wanted to serve his country. You can guess the rest of the story. He was shipped out to Vietnam where, shortly after his arrival, his platooned was ambushed and killed.
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An amazing letter is found on his body
Before he lost his life, Bruce had taken the time to write a letter to a 6-year-old boy from back home. (Pictured at left, 6-year-old Steve Edelson)
His fiancée, a gym teacher named Melodee Galik, had noticed that one boy in her class, Steve Edelson, cared more about sports than academics. She asked Bruce to write Steve a letter about the importance of always doing your best and trying your hardest. That letter was found on Bruce’s body--written, but not yet sent. Steve’s story and the letter was published in the Chicago Sun-Times, May 26, 1966. |
The letter is published in the Chicago Sun-Times
Butkus plays for Chicago Bears with #51
Bruce’s death was a hard loss for his family, fiancée, the community, and for his former teammate and roommate, Dick Butkus. Once Butkus was drafted for the Chicago Bears, he took Bruce’s number, 51, to honor him and his life. Butkus’ career was so impressive that, not only did he make it into the Football Hall of Fame, but the Chicago Bears even retired #51--the number worn by Dick Butkus--and his friend, Bruce Capel.
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