NYC Hosts 150th Anniversary Game and Large Class Gathering

By Mark Swanson '71, Class Secretary

New York City was the backdrop for a multifaceted gathering of 1971 classmates in early November.  Over 30 classmates connected with each other from as far away as the West Coast and Australia.  Classmates and their families gathered for a pre-game brunch at the Westin Grand Central's LCL Restaurant, under the direction of Class VP Gary Walsh.  Classmates in attendance were (l-r in group picture) Alan Usas, Ray Ollwerther, Jim  Hart, Jamie Pitney, Ron Senchesak, Jack Hittson, Tom Leuner, Geoff Smith, Mark Swanson, Gary Walsh, Bob Prichard, Mark Mazo, Chris Connell, Bill Kuntz, Phebe Miller, Bill Zwecker, Chuck Brodbeck, Kirk Liddell, and Tom MacMillan, plus 15 family members.

The group then headed to Yankee Stadium on the Lexington subway for the 150th Anniversary college football game against Dartmouth.  Additional game attendees are pictured (l-r):  Ron Senchesak, Greg Winsky, Joel Hoxie, Cliff Cutchins  and Al Barbieri (standing) with Jim Hart.

Others seen at the game included Jeff Hammond.  At halftime, Mark Swanson was interviewed on the Princeton radio network and recounted WPRB's broadcast of the the 1969 championship season, including the 100th anniversary game against Rutgers in September 1969 (also a one-sided Princeton loss in the Tiger debut of the T-formation). He is pictured with his brother Glenn '76 at Yankee Stadium.

Despite much pre-game hype, the contest itself had few highlights for the Tigers as Dartmouth's superior defense bottled up the running game and caused 3 critical turnovers.  The 3:30 start time (for national television) had brief sunshine but temperatures fell quickly into the 30s with an early sunset.  People will long remember the magnificent setting of fabled Yankee Stadium, the colorful visuals and the unbridled enthusiasm of two well-matched fan bases and football teams.

Visit the Photo Gallery here for more pictures of the day.