Photo Gallery of Football Alumni Day Reception & John Conti Award Presentation
It was a day of full of memories and reflections as the University of Detroit Mercy recently held its Football Alumni Day on Saturday, Jan. 3.
The reception was held in the Ed & Brooks Room in Calihan Hall prior to the UDM men's basketball game, where at halftime, former Titan football player Bob Koval was awarded the John Conti Letterman of Distinction Award for his commitment to the University and to the community.
“We were very pleased to recognize Bob Koval with the John Conti Award with many of his former teammates in attendance,” said Director of Athletics Keri Gaither. “Throughout the afternoon, I heard so many stories about the great times these guys had at the University and as part of the football program. The turnout was terrific and everyone was very happy to see each other and share in this special day.”
All total, 75 former Titan football players, including Conti and last year's recipient John Everly, and family attended the event, which provided the former gridiron stars a chance to take a stroll down memory lane. The event also gave the football alumni a chance to see the recent upgrades to the athletic facilities, while taking in a Titan basketball game.
Those in attendance got a chance to meet Detroit head coach
Ray McCallum and get a pre-game “Chalk Talk” with assistant coach Carlos Briggs.
The festive evening concluded with a mass presided by UDM President Father Gerard Stockhausen S.J. in the St Ignatius Chapel.
“It was wonderful having all the football alumni back on campus and the event gave us the opportunity to showcase the rich tradition of the Titan football program,” added Gaither. “Because football has not been a varsity sport since the sixties, many students, staff and recent alums do not realize what a great football program U-D had. It was especially nice to honor the 1946 team, who led the nation in rushing while selling out every home game.”
The event came at a time when Detroit is continuing to explore the possibility of adding non-scholarship football to its Intercollegiate athletic program.
