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DETROIT (11/27/2014) -- Members of the 1964 University of Detroit football team returned to campus on Saturday, Nov. 22 for the 50-year football reunion at historic Calihan Hall. Twenty-three former Titans returned for a luncheon and reception before being recognized at halftime of the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball contest against South Alabama.

Assistant Athletic Director for Development Michael Miller welcomed the former Titans before UDM President Dr. Antoine Garibaldi and Director of Athletics Robert C. Vowels, Jr., a former football player at Duke University, each spoke to the football players in attendance at the event. One of the football alumni, Bob Peplowski ('67), also spoke at the reception and a moment of silence was held for the football alumni who have passed away.

"The camaraderie was still there after all of these years," said Dave Vitali ('66), one of the 23 football alumni in attendance. "We had five individuals come in from out of state. Two former co-captains attended in Tom Arrowsmith of Kansas from the 1962 team and Bob Koval of Detroit from the 1963 team. Both were formidable leaders. I was extremely honored by the fact that UDM took the time and effort to have this reunion for the former players."

Members of the 1964 team traveled from near and far for the event. Myles Stepanovich ('66) travled from the Pittsburgh, Pa. area, while Bill Stanforth ('64) came to the reunion from Mason, Ohio. Joe Hilt, who served his country for 28 years as an officer in the U.S. Army after his playing days, came in from North Carolina, while Bob Lynch made the trip from Chicago for the reunion. Old pictures and memorabilia (such as Frank Heckler's 1963 Freshman Sweater) were also on hand at the reunion.

Detroit's last season of football was in 1964 after playing in its first season in 1896. The Titans earned 305 victories in their 64-year history, including a 9-0 season in 1928 and four-straight seasons of eight victories from 1917-1921.

"This group is woven into the fabric and history of UDM Athletics," Miller added. "It was great to have the opportunity to meet and spend time with these gentlemen who represented the University with such pride and class."

Here's a full list of the University of Detroit football players who returned on Saturday (along with their graduating class):

1967
Dr. James Notarnicola
Bob Peplowski

1966
Bob Burghardt
Joe D'Angelo
Carl Dull
Mickey Farkas
Myles Stepanovich
Dave Vitali

1965
John Everly
George Halter
Joe Hilt
Bob Koval
Frank Orlando
Paul Poljan

1964
Ron Bishop
Fred Lauck
Bob Lynch
Louis Pace
Ron Read
Bill Stanforth

1963
Tom Arrowsmith
Dick Polian

1961
Dennis Flynn