Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Nevadans will miss one of the good guys from Philly

TWELVE YEARS have passed since a young man from Philly arrived in Las Vegas. His arrival wasn't big news in an area which receives thousands of newcomers every month. He was a bit different than most new arrivals because he was wearing the collar of a Catholic priest. He couldn't have landed at a better place than St. Anne Parish where the people had already become accustomed to the leadership of Fr. John McVeigh, also from Philadelphia.

I first came to know Fr. Bob Votta where we both worked out at the old Las Vegas Athletic Club down the street from St. Anne. His conduct and attitude in the gym was low key and few of the other men benching weights even knew he was a priest. Around the parish, his quiet demeanor was enhanced by his interest in every person and he always was available to spend extra time with the poor, sick and members of minority groups. He was truly a kind person and his kindness was extended far beyond the parish and members of the Catholic faith.

A couple of years later, he became pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church in Winnemucca. A few months later I stopped to visit with him and attend services. Bob was now accepted as a true Nevadan and the people loved him as he worked to restore the old church. Although he only stayed there two years, he left his mark and time and again I've had people from Winnemucca ask how "our priest" is doing.

Six years ago, he returned and became pastor of St. Anne and the man from Philly became the man from Maryland Parkway. He brought the people from all races and economic levels together. The rapidly growing number of Latinos, Vietnamese, Koreans and Filipinos found a special friend in Votta who seemed easily to grasp and speak their languages. He also found jobs and help for those people unable to function in the fast-moving world we know as Las Vegas. Still, he found time to seek help and build a needed community center for all sorts of activity. This also will provide a place indoors for his successor to shoot baskets with the young people. He was a pretty good shot from the side and he rippled the nets more than he missed. A better-than-average athlete he was also a devoted sports fan.

Like many other people, our family felt his personal warmth and understanding when our mom died. He showed the same warmth when grandchildren or other family members were baptized. His ability to call out the individual names of children gathering around him was phenomenal. This bit of personal attention and recognition puts a special glow on the face of a child.

Last week, hundreds of people lined up one afternoon to tell Fr. Votta goodbye. The following day, Bishop Daniel Walsh said a requiem Mass with the music and songs the departing priest loved. The church was full and overflowing with people to sing and celebrate his life. The young man from Philly, now the man from Maryland Parkway, was going back home.

In 12 short years, Fr. Votta had become "our priest" for thousands of Nevadans. We only wish he had been given more time to be with us, but the call for his return to rest in Philly came from above.

They have been playing football a long time up in Reno and recently UNR named its Team of the Century. Along with the team, they named Chris Ault the coach who tasted 163 victories in 17 seasons. Ault, previously an outstanding quarterback for the Wolf Pack, coached a large number of the stars named to the Team of the Century.

Nobody should be surprised to see some Southern Nevadans on this team. Las Vegan Frank Hawkins was easily named as a running back. He left several records behind before going on to many successful years with the NFL Raiders. He was in good offensive company because named along with him were James "Rabbit" Bradshaw, Marion Motley and Tommy Kalmanir. Motley is also a member of the NFL Hall of Fame.

The All-Time UNR Defense team includes Basic High School's Henry Rolling and Tony Shaw from Clark High School and more recently Cheyenne's De Shone Myles, now on his way to the Seattle Seahawks. Shaw was especially skilled and recognized for his ability to intercept passes. He picked off 17 when playing for the Pack.

Rolling, as skilled in his studies as he was on the field, later spent seven years playing in the NFL as a linebacker. He had exceptional upper body strength and made runners pay the price when coming through the line.

Also named as the punter for the Century Team is former Nevada State Printer Pat Brady. In 1950, he had a season average of 46.9 yards and later was the punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A Los Angeles Times sportswriter once wrote that Brady could consistently punt 80 yards and so high, the ball would come down with ice and eagle's feathers on it.

Although there are a few other players some of us believe should be on the UNR Century Team, none of us can argue with the names that were selected.

Award winners to be honored Thursday at the MGM Grand by the All-American Football Foundation are Tom Weisner, Tony Knap, Ron Meyer and Bob Blum.

Blum will receive the coveted Lindsey Nelson Sportscaster Award and Weisner will be awarded the Unsung Hero Award.

Former UNLV coaches Knap and Meyer will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award. They are the two most winning Rebel football coaches. Both men have also tasted success at other schools and universities. Meyer also is a proven NFL head coach.

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