JT Lion

The John Tyler High School Class of 1974 is celebrating their 50th Class Reunion this weekend in Tyler.

The Lions are having a meet and greet from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Holiday Inn.

On Saturday, the Class will meet at Tyler High School at 9:30 p.m. They will take a class picture, tour the school and have lunch in the cafeteria.

Also, from 6 to midnight, the program includes a memorial for deceased classmates, recognizing and honoring their veterans, and a dinner/dance.

A worship service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday at St. Louis Baptist Church, followed by lunch at the Holiday Inn.

In the fall, the Class of ’74 joined with the current Tyler High School students for a homecoming on Oct. 20.

It took place during the Lions football game against Lufkin on Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

The 1973 John Tyler High School state football championship team was recognized on the 50th annivesary of the magical season of winning the Class 4A state football championship. Also, the Class of 1974 was honored.

On Dec. 22, 1973, in the Astrodome in Houston, the John Tyler Lions won the Class 4A State Championship. The Lions finished the season 15-0, bringing Tyler its first state championship since 1930. JT defeated Austin Reagan, 21-14, in the title game.

The talented “Wrecking Crew” included several outstanding seniors: Earl Campbell, Lynn King, Larry Hartsfield, Michael R. Johnson, Cary “Tuffy” Wilson, Michael Taylor, Marc Kemp, Ralph Caldwell, Snow Bush, Rick Ford, Herbert Bristow, Keith Kilpatrick, Donald Sanders, Gary Iverson and Mark Ellis.

Corky Nelson was the head coach. Others on the coaching staff included: Lawrence LaCroix, Royce Franklin, Charles Craddock, Davin Hooker, Bob Finklea and Bill Parks.