The article above is a little hard to read, so I’ll copy it here:
October 28, 1960
Gritty Jim Haggerty, “Comeback Kid”, Finally Has To Hang Up The Spikes by Jack Verdon
There are many reasons why a young athelete may not play a sport. One reason may be a lack of ability, another may be a better man ahead in the athelete’s particular position. However, the reason that Jim Haggerty is not playing football this year for the Cross is the fact that he suffered a recurrance of a head injury that caught him sophomore year and kept him out of action last year.
The Philadelphia native came back in impressive form this September as he decided to shock the HC coaching staff, among others, and try out for this year’s team. So brilliant, in fact, was his showing that Dr. Anderson installed Jim as the right end in the Harvard opener.
Early in the third quarter, Lady Luck again looked unkindly upon the 6’3″ athlete. The Big Fella blacked out on his feet, but courageously continued to lead the Crusaders in a comeback effort.
Soon, however it was sadly evident that what had been feared had happened once more. Fortunately, nothing more than the termination of Haggerty’s active grid wars was accomplished.
Jim, a graduate of Bishop Newmann H.S. in Philly where he copped All-City pigskin recognition while also starring on the court, keeps his free time occupied with his activities as Club Liason Officer and coach of the Lehy III ‘murals machine.
Turning to this weekend’s contest with Marquette, Jim feels that MU has quite a club, but he says “Of their performance over the past three weeks, the Crusaders should have a bit more.”
April 10, 2008 at 12:40 pm |
What great pictures of Jim. I never saw him actually play rugby but from the stories I heard from Nancy & Jim it must have been intense.
Thanks for sharing these photos.
Jackie
April 10, 2008 at 4:14 pm |
I see Jim’s great spirit in these pictures. Jim’s great spirit is still resonating deep in my heart. Know that I am keeping Jim in my thoughts and prayers as well as you – Nancy, Betsy and John.
Love,
Jane
April 11, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Betsy, thanks so much for the Holy Cross photo and article. Jim, Nancy and I were talking about “the old football days” at Holy Cross not so long ago and we laughed and laughed about that article, which I have never seen until now. JIm loved “Gritty Jim Haggerty” which, of course, we called him for the next several days…as well as “comeback kid!”
And Bernie will often say, “I’ve been following Jim Haggerty’s example and talking to the dogs in the elevator!”
What extraordinary messages you are writing to all of us!
April 15, 2008 at 2:13 am |
Betsy/Nancy, Just saw today. ,the Cusader Gritty Jim article which until I read same I forgot I wrote in 1960. Words true then come home with poignant accuracy today
God Bless you all as our Superman meets his Maker. Another Saint to whom we can pray. in our times of despair. I do indeed smile through my tears, Jack Verdon ’61
April 15, 2008 at 2:38 am |
Addendum, Nothing is by coincidence .On more careful reading of the Crusader article I note , that it was datelined October 28, which is the same date my Kate was called home to her maker , Oct 28,2000.
God Bless everyone sayeth Tiny Tim
Jack Verdon’61
April 15, 2008 at 4:44 pm |
Nancy, Betsy and John, Tommy and Mickey. I cannot put into words how much my heart hurts right now. Apparently, this world is minus one class act. That rugby photo awakened some great childhood memories that have been giving me chills(good ones) all morning. Memories of Jimmer bringing me along to a game or throwing a ten foot long wooden bench into the deep end of a swimming pool for me to retrieve. Jimmer school of swimming lessons 101, I am a child again this morning because of these memories, Paul