Football Anniversary

Note: This is copied from my Facebook post dated Friday, November 25.

A 50th anniversary is a pretty big deal. As time would have it, I'm at an age where some of those 50th's of memorable events are happening. 50 years ago tonight I was playing football for the John F. Kennedy Kougars (sp. is correct) of Richmond, VA at the City Stadium of Richmond. We were playing the Thomas Dale Knights of Chesterfield County for the Central Regional title. Thomas Dale was 10-0 and heavily favored. We were 7-1 and unlikely participants in the contest. As a "cinderella" team, we had finished the regular season as co-district champions. 

The decision as to who would represent our district in the regional title game was quite a circus. Virginia officials went back and forth and it even went to court. The final decision was not made until Thanksgiving morning. "Thankfully" John F. Kennedy HS was chosen to represent the district. The game was played the next night. My only claim to fame was a mention by one of our star players, Linwood Lancaster, about the defensive ends doing their job. That was me. 

Here are a few pics to commemorate the Kougar victory. Included are some clippings about the uncertainty, the game itself, the program (I'm listed at 162 lbs but only weighed 140 soaking wet), a photo of the team, and several photos of the ring that we earned (we actually went door-to-door soliciting donations to pay for them; they're gold but only cost $25). 

Unfortunately, we lost the state semi-final game to the Annandale Atoms of northern VA (they were the arch rivals of the T.C. Williams Titans of "Remember the Titans" fame - the movie based on the true story that took place just one year prior to our season).

 
That season holds a very special place in my memory bank and became a cherished part of my youth.
Oh, and BTW: Something else happened at JFK that became more than a memory - I met Robin there!!