Gloucester Catholic 1971 Championship Football Team Reunites
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
press release
The memories flowed and the sellout crowd cheered loudly as a legendary team returned
to their alma mater at Gloucester Catholic.
Gloucester Catholic’s 1971 Championship Football Team, which posted a 9-0 record enroute to the Parochial B crown, held a reunion on Saturday, October 20th during the Rams’ Homecoming game against Woodstown.
About 35 members of that championship team along with members of the cheerleading squad were honored at halftime before a capacity audience at Gloucester High. GCHS hosted a reception for the team members and their guests following the game at Vitale’s restaurant.
All South Jersey performers Steve Rotella and Jack Long along with quarterback Steve Johnson led a potent GC attack that season as the Rams posted one of the greatest seasons in school history. Coach Bob McQuillan was selected as South Jersey Coach of the Year that Fall.
"We were a very close-knit group then and we still are today," said Johnson, who helped organized the event along with school officials. "We had won only a few games in the previous two seasons, but we bought into coach McQuillan's system and had a tremendous run in 1971."
Members of the 1971 team arrived at GCHS early for a greeting by school officials, including Principal John Colman and Athletic Director Pat Murphy. They took away a few gifts, including a commemorative poster and program of their championship season along with DVD highlight film of their season, including a season-ending 34-29 victory over Middle Township that clinched the perfect campaign.
To see a full photo album of Saturday’s events, please visit:
http://www.facebook.com/gchsrams
