By GUS OSTRUM

GCHS Director of Advancement

Ramblings Spring 2012 edition

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (June 2012) –Joe Murphy has served on both sides of the fence at Gloucester Catholic, and has earned a reputation as a beloved figure within the community as a former alumnus and athlete, coach, teacher, and friend.Two plays later, Grant found himself circling the flank for the thirty-first point.

“Coach Murphy,” a 1954 graduate, began his long affiliation with GCHS as. The love affair with the school has never stopped, even after some 62 years. freshman student entering classes in the Fall of 1951. The love affair with the school has never stopped, even after some 62 years.

One key life lesson Joe has never forgotten is the strong bond between a teacher (coach) and a student and the influence it has on a young person’s life.

Continue reading “Joe Murphy, Alumnus, Athlete, Coach, Teacher and Friend of Gloucester Catholic” →

By CNB Sports

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 25, 2008) – How can two and a half hours have such a profound impact on everyone’s lives? For Lions and Rams fans alike, nothing compares to the Thanksgiving game. This year, unlike many in the past, brings together many local players from both the GCHS and GHS teams for the last time.

Rams players such as Mike Gartland, Mike Rafferty, George Spingler, Ryan Alcott, and Harry Amwake will face off against Lions seniors and lifelong friends Ian Harter, Robert Filer, Kyle Stewart, Brett Darrow, John Alberta, Frank Heitman, and many others. These players are not just teammates but neighbors and friends, coming together for one final match.

In recent years, this game felt more like the Lions competing against out-of-towners in a City Series game. This Thursday morning, most of these boys will wake up as varsity football players for the last time, marking the end of a football journey that began innocently enough at the age of five on Johnson Boulevard.

These boys not only played as Mustangs against other towns but also participated in Little League Baseball and CPBL Basketball together. Throughout grammar school, these players formed bonds in various ways. As they started sports at such a young age, the end of their football careers seemed a distant thought. Parents, too, often failed to recognize the significance of their sons’ final game.

Walking off the home field on Thursday will be a bittersweet experience. GCHS players from out of town cannot truly appreciate the depth of this game. These local friends and former Little League and football All-Stars will never meet again in such an intense battle, yet they will leave as best friends. They will hit each other hard throughout the day, engaging in conversations on the field that won’t be friendly banter. However, each player will feel the end differently.

Along with the desire for victory comes the realization that a career and a way of life have come to an end. Teary-eyed players will meet in the end zone after the game, sharing hugs for the final time. These boys have battled together for their school while providing their parents and friends with something truly special to celebrate.

The moments of innocence and high school life seem to pass so quickly, and as each player walks through the gauntlet of proud parents, witnessing the tears in their moms’ and dads’ eyes, it will be hard to forget their last time leaving the field.

In the end, the score doesn’t really matter; it is the friendships that count. Many parents have become friends because their sons’ sports brought together once-strangers. Boys attended each other’s birthday parties as they grew up.

In the years to come, it will be enjoyable to read about how your school is doing and to return to cheer on the team. Scrapbooks may eventually be set aside, but what will remain with parents and players is that last hug.

It’s remarkable how two and a half hours spent on the field during Thanksgiving can make everyone realize that, regardless of challenges like the economy or gas prices, we have something to be truly thankful for: family and friends.

1993: Renewal of Friendship (introduction)

Note: A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993 entitled “The Renewal of Friendship”. This remarkable history of the series was put together by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

BY Bruce Darrow/CNBNews

Gloucester City, NJ (November 21, 2007)—This Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game between Gloucester Catholic and Gloucester High will renew an old rivalry that began almost 60 years ago, in 1948, on the field at the Charles Street Stadium. Although that stadium may be gone, the tradition lives on. The game was briefly stopped for a period but was renewed again in 1993.

There is an ongoing debate within the City of Gloucester over whether the Rams recruit players from surrounding areas, which many believe gives them an unfair advantage. However, this year, that advantage doesn’t seem to be as significant.

Continue reading “The Lions vs. Rams Thanksgiving Classic Continues” →

Note: A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993 entitled “The Renewal of Friendship”. This incredible history of the series was put together by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

In 1957, in what was the most thrilling game of their 10-game series, Gloucester Catholic High captured its fifth straight city championship. By doing so, they evened the series at five wins apiece.

*****

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–(November 1957)An estimated 3500 spectators witnessed the game at the Charles Street Stadium, which, when the final whistle blew, saw the Rams victorious by a 12-7 score.

The determined Public High eleven looked good even in defeat and were pressing until the end.

Catholic scored in both the second and third quarters and had to beat back a fourth-period rally by the Blue and Gold, who, having scored in the third period, went all out to try to upset the ultimate victors.

Richie Shields and Ray McCann produced the touchdowns for the Rams, while bothTerry Reiss and Ozark Underwood failed in the P.A.T.

Continue reading “1957: RAMS OVER LIONS, GCHS WINS CITY TITLE AGAIN; BEAT GLOUCESTER HIGH 12-7” →

BY G.J. FERGUSON

Gloucester City, NJ (1993)–It has been nearly three decades since the last City-Series game was played in 1965. At times, it feels like it was only yesterday, but sadly, it was not. With the final whistle on that sunny autumn day, the City-Series faded into memory—memories that have endured over the years, living in the hearts and minds of those who remember the series and hold it dear.

It is with those memories in mind that the idea for this program began. What started as a history of the series has transformed into more of a memoir. While a true history would require a book of several hundred pages, this program aims to evoke nostalgia. As you read the game stories and look at old photographs, I hope it brings back not just memories of the games themselves, but also of old friends, teammates, and a different time.

In the old industrial city on the Delaware, the year 1948 marked the beginning of annual football games between Gloucester High and Gloucester Catholic. This was a time when semi-pro and town teams still thrived and attracted sizable crowds. However, the largest and most loyal following was for high school football. Across the country, in rural towns and cities large and small, thousands filled the bleachers to cheer for their local teams.

Continue reading “GLOUCESTER’S GAME” →

**Note:** A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993, entitled “The Renewal of Friendship.” This comprehensive history of the series was compiled by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

**Gloucester City, NJ (November 1950)** – If any Gloucester Catholic players had nightmares after last night’s city series battle in Gloucester, they may have envisioned a mythical figure bearing the number 66 leaping over the edge of the bed.

Before more than 3,500 chilly fans, the hard-running halfback scored five touchdowns, leading his team to a stunning 56-7 victory. This triumph allowed Coach Carlos Paisley’s team to set a new school scoring record, surpassing the previous high of 49 points, achieved in 1930 against Clayton.

Continue reading “1950: Lions Swamp Rams Score 56-7” →