By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
A group of Pennsauken High School alumni who played professional football on the biggest stage are coming back to their alma mater on Friday, May 13 for a special presentation of several gold footballs from the National Football League (NFL) in honor of Super Bowl 50.
“This is a great event for PHS alumni, current students, and their families to come together for a once in a lifetime opportunity,” explains Eric Mossop, athletic director of Pennsauken High School. “Our school has had a wonderful history of its football players heading to the pros. Under the tutelage of the great Coach Vince McAneney, eight PHS alumni went on to play in the NFL. We’re excited to have three of those players join us for this special evening.”
One of the more unique ways the NFL celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, considered to be the biggest sports championship on the planet, was to send a gold football to every high school in the world that’s produced a player or coach who’s appeared in a Super Bowl. Pennsauken High School is unique in that they received three footballs from the NFL, one for each former player: David Griggs, ’85, Dwight Hicks, ’74, and John Taylor, ‘80.
Griggs started at linebacker for the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX; in his six seasons in the NFL, he compiled 14.5 sacks, one interception, and four fumble recoveries before his untimely death in 1995. Hicks played defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979-1985; his outstanding play led him to four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl rings. Taylor became a three-time Super Bowl champion as a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, and was best known for his 10-yard game-winning touchdown catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.
The ceremony begins at Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd., at 6:00 p.m. Griggs’ brother Billy, a member of PHS Class of ’79, who played tight end for the New York Jets, Hicks, and Taylor will all be on hand for the ceremony. Members of Pennsauken’s Township Committee, Steve Sweeney, a Pennsauken High School alumnus and current Senate President of New Jersey, as well as other dignitaries, have also been invited to attend.
As part of this special day, Pennsauken High School’s athletic department is working to create unique opportunities for some the school’s student athletes. Prior to the presentation, there will be a PHS alumni gathering at the high school’s cafeteria at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, a fundraiser will be held at the 45th Street Pub, 2545 45th St, Pennsauken, to benefit the PHS All Sports Booster Club and PYAA organizations. Admission is $20 per person and includes appetizers.
“We are inviting the entire Pennsauken community to help us celebrate our high school’s rich athletic history and to support our talented student athletes of today,” adds Mossop.
For more information on the event, call (856) 662-8500 x5235 or e-mail emossop@pennsauken.net.
