Larry Schumacher passed away last week. Larry was a starting LB at ND from 67-69.
His passing (RIP) reminded me of the role he played in the freshman game between ND and Mich. St. the Friday night before the famous 10-10 tie game in 1966.
With all the build up to the famous game that Saturday, the frosh game the night before received quite a bit of press itself (all since forgotten),
With Ara watching the frosh game from the press box, ND scored the first 3 TDs. The 3rd was on an 88 yd kickoff return by Larry Schumacher at the start of the 3rd Q.
Mich. St frosh came back to take the lead late in the game 27-21. ND scored to tie the game but missed the extra point- 27-27 tie with under 3 minutes left. ND held Mich St & got the ball back. QB Tom Gores (who had the misfortune to show up at ND a year after Hanratty & a year before Theismann and hence never played for the varsity) drove the Irish into FG range. Ed Ziegler kicked a 32 yd FG with 1:15 left for a 30-27 Irish win.
Ara always stated that speed went to defense first. Hence despite Schumacher's talent as a Hb, he was converted to LB for his varsity career.
His passing (RIP) reminded me of the role he played in the freshman game between ND and Mich. St. the Friday night before the famous 10-10 tie game in 1966.
With all the build up to the famous game that Saturday, the frosh game the night before received quite a bit of press itself (all since forgotten),
With Ara watching the frosh game from the press box, ND scored the first 3 TDs. The 3rd was on an 88 yd kickoff return by Larry Schumacher at the start of the 3rd Q.
Mich. St frosh came back to take the lead late in the game 27-21. ND scored to tie the game but missed the extra point- 27-27 tie with under 3 minutes left. ND held Mich St & got the ball back. QB Tom Gores (who had the misfortune to show up at ND a year after Hanratty & a year before Theismann and hence never played for the varsity) drove the Irish into FG range. Ed Ziegler kicked a 32 yd FG with 1:15 left for a 30-27 Irish win.
Ara always stated that speed went to defense first. Hence despite Schumacher's talent as a Hb, he was converted to LB for his varsity career.