| 1980 ACC Champs Reunite |
They relived the famous goal-line stand at Clemson. They reminisced about the lethal one-two running punch of Kelvin Bryant and "Famous Amos" Lawrence. They marveled at just how dominating was a defense that limited its first seven opponents to exactly two touchdowns.
And they had a lot of fun.
Some 50 members of the 1980 ACC championship Tar Heel team that posted an 11-1 record gathered in Chapel Hill Nov. 11-12, 2005, to celebrate the silver anniversary of Carolina's last conference title team. The players and their wives and guests gathered for a reception Friday night at the DuBose House in Chapel Hill, then sat together at the game the next day and were honored at halftime.
"It was an awesome event," says Ken Mack, a letterman from 1976-78 and a graduate assistant coach on the 1980 team. "It was a ton of fun. A lot of guys came out of curiosity, some came out of obligation. They weren't sure what to expect. But they all left feeling good about the team and enjoying the memories."
"The social on Friday was like taking a walk down memory lane," says Steve Fortson, a freshman noseguard on that team. "I especially enjoyed listening to Harry Stanback share some of his recollections of Lawrence Taylor, Steve Streater, and many of the other guys who made up our team. Everyone was enjoying themselves so much, nobody wanted to leave."
Head coach Dick Crum was invited but did not attend, instead sending a message to be read to the group from Dominic Morelli, a first-year member of the equipment staff in 1980 who now is head equipment and business manager for the football program. Crum said the 1980 team was the most complete team he'd ever had the privilege to coach, with a great offense, defense and special teams. He lauded the players' great attitude, mental toughness and outstanding senior leadership. And he noted that mental strength came through in a difficult road win at Clemson in November, just one week after having lost by a lopsided margin at Oklahoma.
"I want to you know I am proud to have been associated with each and every one of you and hold you in the highest regard," Crum wrote.
Typical of comments from those attending were those of Ann Wooten, wife of All-ACC guard Ron Wooten, and Mark Transou.
"Ronald and I want to thank the Lettermen's Association for an absolutely perfect weekend," she said. "Everyone had a fabulous time and was so happy to see one another again. It was quite special to see the true bond of friendship that our team shared so many years ago still shine. After all these years, it was easy to see why they were ACC champions. Those men share a tremendous respect for one another and are still just as intensely passionate about their Tar Heel pride."
Transou said he and his teammates were quite moved during the halftime ceremony, which included a highlight tape shown on the video board in Kenan Stadium.
"While each individual's athletic and life experiences since Chapel Hill have differed, each has the bond of having worked together for a common cause, of having the privilege of wearing Carolina Blue to practice every day and representing UNC on 11 special Saturdays along with a bowl game during a very special time in his life," Transou says. "Football can be demanding. You learn a lot about the character of people when you are regularly pushed to physical and mental limits together.
"I was fortunate enough to be associated with some people of great character during my days in Chapel Hill. I think I speak for many when I say thank you for helping to reunite teammates, meet some of their families, and be encouraged by hearing some life stories that again demonstrate the great individual character we first saw years ago."
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Volume I | Issue No. 02 | April 01, 2006 |
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