Al Berke’s basketball career at Bennett HS reached its apex in 1957-58 when he was named to the Buffalo All High first team at the conclusion of his senior season. In his junior year of 1956-57, Al was a key cog in Bennett’s march to the Yale Cup City Championship, which included a 10 game winning streak. During the entirety of his career at Bennett, Al’s superb rebounding skills, aided by his tenacity and willingness to persevere, complemented his sound execution of fundamental rebounding technique. In addition, Berke was a steady, consistent scorer, and he averaged close to 14 points per game during his stellar senior season. Perhaps the most memorable Bennett victory of his career came early in his junior year when two time defending Yale Cup champion Lafayette met an amped up Tiger squad on their home court. Bennett handed Lafayette a rare defeat on their home floor, 58-52. Berke was outstanding on that particular day. He made a key 3 pointer late in the victory, and contributed his usual dogged rebounding performance, leading to Lafayette’s demise.
Following his graduation from Bennett, he entered Buffalo St. College, where he played hoops and became a freshman starter. Berke then went on to join the United States Air Force from 1960-64. His passion for basketball still intact, he played on an Air Force team that captured a pair of championships during the 1962 and 1963 campaigns. One title team became the the Duluth, Minnesota Class AA City Championship team. That 1962 game was decided when Berke hit a key field goal in the waning seconds. The other title team was the Air Base Squadron Championship Squad. Players from various regions of the USA joined Berke to play over 50 games during this stint. Not to be denied, Al managed to be a first stringer on these extremely competitive squads.
Showing athletic versatility after basketball, Berke turned to bowling. In the 1990’s, he made cable television appearances for the Tops TV Challenge, managing to win 2 of those shows.
Berke, currently retired from a career in the automotive industry, lives in Clarence. He and his wife,Karen, have been married 46 years. They have a son, Mark, and a daughter, Lisa. Al and Karen have 7 grandchildren.