Submitted by: Frank Luna
Photos from 1964 Shrine Bowl Championship Game

The year was 1964. The beginnings of Civil Rights and the Vietnam War were on the minds of many Americans. Ike and Tina Turner, Chuck Berry, and Martha and the Vandellas filled the radio airwaves. Here at home, the Phoenix College Bears Football team made history by becoming the national champions of the 8th Annual Shrine Bowl in Savannah, Georgia. The PC Bears took on the Oklahoma Military Academy Cadets and won by a score of 41-13.

"The significance of the Bears winning this title goes far beyond becoming national champs" says Craig Liston '64, PC quarterback who played in the Shrine Bowl. "When one considers the social and political landscape of this era, and the fact that ours was an integrated team...all I can say is that it was a memorable time in the history of PC athletics as well as our country."

The team will celebrate their 40th anniversary of capturing the national title at this weekend's Homecoming Celebration "Jambearee: A Blue & Gold Rush." Thirty of the thirty-seven team members alive today, as well as PC Coaches Shanty Hogan and Pug Marich and former NFL star and '64 team member Fred Carr, will be present at this special event. Team members from as far away as Honolulu, Hawaii, to Newport Richey, Florida are also traveling to Phoenix to join the celebration.

To mark this momentous occasion, the entire 1964 Championship Football Team will be inducted into the first "Athletics Alumni Ring of Honor" during half-time at the homecoming football game this Saturday--at PC's Hoy Stadium.

Be a part PC history again by attending this Saturday's event. Meet the 1964 team and join Phoenix College and the Alumni Association in congratulating each of them on their anniversary.

DATE:
Saturday, October 23, 2004

TIME:
3:30 p.m. - "The Arizona Western Experience," featuring entertainment by PC alumnus Marshall Trimble '58, Dolan Ellis, Shayne Sotelo & Mariachi Alegre, Madison Walker as "Nat Love," Yellowbird Indian Hoop Dancers, and Sue Harris and Trio. Bring the entire family--we will have a Petting Zoo for the kids, and a Cowboy BBQ plate catered by Bill Johnson's Big Apple will be featured. Special guests: the PC Bear's 1964 Football team.

COST:
Free. BBQ plate: $3 in advance, $5 at the door. Kids 6 & under eat free. For advance meal tickets, call ext. 57494 or ext. 57231.

LOCATION:
Phoenix College, in front of Bulpitt Auditorium.

Stay for the Homecoming Game at 7 p.m.: Coach Ron Wolfley and the PC Bears will take on the Pima Community College Storm. Special half-time tribute to the 1964 Football Champs.

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