It can't be that long ago

On Friday Oct. 7, some former NHS Football Tigers will return to Logan Field. They are the remaining members of the fall of 1966, undefeated Big Ten Conference Championship Football Team. One common thought expressed by practically every one I've contacted was ... "it doesn't seem like it's been 50 years!"

The memories imprinted on our minds, bodies, and souls, from that long ago season, have remained a significant part of who we were and who we became. I have included the official team picture with this story. Sadly, we have lost so many of those young friends and teammates. (This is the list of the deceased team members, that we know as of now -- Bob Lafferty/team manger, Doug Pettibon, Randy Fellows, Robbie Holmes, Larry Kerr, Roger Tyer, Steve Jadlot, Coach Virgil McKinzie, Jim Olson, Larry Householder, and Mike Bradham,)

This anniversary, sort of "sneaked up" on me. Some friends contacted me and said that a framed picture had been given to them, to forward to me. It was the official team picture, and it had been signed by all the coaches of the 1966 team. It was being returned to me, when the Subway Sports Bar closed recently, and no one was sure to whom it had originally belonged. I later discovered it had had been given to the picture collection for that establishment, by the quarterback from our team, Sam Foursha.

I contacted Sam, and a few of the other players, and we discussed the upcoming anniversary of our championship season, and what we should do with this picture. I also contacted NHS Athletic Director, John McNeley, for his input.

Several of the team members told me they thought it would be a fitting idea to give the picture to the high school, to reside in the trophy case alongside our Championship Trophy. Our tight end from that team, Rod Loomer, said he had a great scrapbook that included programs, pictures, and other memorabilia from that season. He offered to donate that as well to the trophy case.

Tim Holmes, brother of our lost team member and center, Robbie Holmes, told me he had some items that his father had left to him, that were from a time many decades ago, having to do with the dedication of Logan Field. He thought Robbie and his family would be gratified to donate these items to the trophy case exhibit.

After an exchange of emails and texts (you see some of us have entered the 21st century), we asked Johnny Mac, if we could have a reception before the October 7th game, to meet and honor the team, and to present the donations. He was 100 percent behind this plan.

Our team has received many honors in the past. None of us will ever forget the return trip home from Monett, following our final 10th straight victory and the completion of the championship run. Hundreds of vehicles lined the highway from near Camp Clark, and followed our team bus into town, where we were all greeted at a town reception.

A few weeks later, legendary PSU football coach, Carnie Smith, spoke at our team banquet. We were all given bracelets and other honors. For many years after, we all continued to hear from fans, how much they enjoyed that season.

As the years passed, the legends grew a bit dimmer. Then about 10 years ago, we were honored once more as a team. That was when we were placed on the NHS Wall of Fame.

Most of us figured that was probably the last time we would get together and celebrate our long ago season, but that changed a few years later, when Athletic Director Kevin McKinley organized an all school football alumni gathering.

It was a night that none of us will ever forget. NHS footballers from several decades, returned to be honored. One of the highlights of the evening for all of us was the attendance of the 1940 Tiger quarterback, Winnie Baucom (Note: Winnie is still alive in his 90s, and lives with one of his daughters).

That all generation gathering, gave our 1966 team members an idea for our upcoming 50th anniversary. We would like to invite any former football players from every time period, to come and join us for the reception. Of course, we will be pleased to be honored one more time for that long ago season, but it would mean a lot more to us if we had other NHS players, family members, and fans, join with us on October 7.

Tradition is something that should never be allowed to wane. The fire at NHS 60 years ago next month, created a vacuum where so many historical items were lost. It is high time that we lent our attention to renewing the past.

Here is our hope and plan. We want to have as many former football players, their families, and fans come and join us (several family members of those deceased players are planning on coming to stand in for them). We hope that members of other teams, like those famous ones from the mid 70s, will join us in this plan of tradition. Locate all that you can of such items that would help to establish a great NHS Tiger trophy case football exhibit.

Spread the word and plan on joining us at the high school Oct. 7. This is about NHS football, not just about our team. For further information, contact me at carp3@sbcglobal.net, or call or text 417-667-1767. You can also contact Athletic Director John McNeley at the high school.