1963 Football Team Celebrates 50th Anniversary
This year’s 94th renewal of the Jesuit vs. Holy Cross football game was an occasion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the only state championship contest between the two schools. And so the two 1963 teams were honored as the 2013 Legends of the Game.
The day before this year’s contest, Alternate Captain Bill Barrois, backed by teammates Keefe Hecker, Chuck Heintz, and John Zimmer, spoke to the 2013 football team. Game Day began with captain Keefe Hecker speaking to today’s Blue Jays, clad in their Game Day T-shirts, at morning assembly in the Traditions Courtyard.
Later that day 1963 team members joined with other members of the Jesuit community in the big pre-game tailgate party outside Tad Gormley Stadium. As the 2013 Legends of the Game, the ’63 team members were front and center in the annual Krewe of Rivalry Parade into the stadium.
Bill Barrois represented his team as honorary captain for the coin toss, and at halftime Keefe Hecker accepted the Legend of the Game trophy for the team as they stood at midfield to be recognized by all. As the former players came off the field, each received a special Rivalry Coin bearing the logos of each school.
The celebration came to a spirited conclusion on Saturday evening with a team Mass and reception on campus in the Student Commons.