Alexander/McKeever Field Dedication Mount Carmel Recreation

Alexander/McKeever Field Dedication
Mount Carmel Recreation Center
October 15, 2011
Mount Carmel High School Alumni
&
City of Los Angeles
Departmentof RecreationandParks
Welcome You to
Dedication Ceremonies
for
Alexander / McKeever Field
at
Mount Carmel Recreation Center
Master of Ceremonies, Mark Mariscal, LADRP Superintendent Pacific
Region
Invocation by Father Augustus Carter, Former Principal Mt. Carmel
High School
Bernard Parks, Los Angeles City Councilmember Eighth District
Jon Kirk Mukri, General Manager LADRP
Richard Montielh, President Mount Carmel Alumni Foundation
John Young, Mount Carmel High School Class of 1967
Oscar Edwards, UCLA Football Alum
Kermit Alexander, Honoree
Vince Evans, USC Football Alum
Barry McKeever, for Mike McKeever, Honoree
Marlin McKeever, Jr. for Marlin McKeever, Honoree
Judith Cannavo McKeever for Marlin McKeever
KERMIT ALEXANDER
Kermit Joseph Alexander was born January 4, 1941 in New Iberia, Louisiana, to parents Ebora and Kermit Alexander, Sr. The Alexander family
moved to California in 1945 and settled in the Watts Community. His family resided in the Jordan Downs public housing apartments where he soon
became one of the top athletes in the city. Kermit’s athletic career path began playing CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports at St. Malachy
Grammar School. He credits Principal Fr. Coombs, who also served as the
athletic coach, for providing confidence, guidance, and directions to Mt.
Carmel High. Kermit entered Carmel with aspirations of playing on the Crusader Basketball Team. After a disappointing freshman football season, he
decided to concentrate on Track and Basketball. Fortunately, Coach Jim
“Red’ Williams talked the sophomore into trying football again. As a result
of Coach William’s confidence, Kermit led the Crusader Football Team to
three Catholic League Championships and two C.I.F. (California Interscholastic Federation) Quarter-Finals appearances. He was a 3-time All Catholic
League Selection, 2-Time All CIF Selection, and 2-Time Catholic League
Most Valuable Player. During his Carmel Career, the Crusaders were 2-1 against the dreaded Cubs of Loyola
High School. His most memorable game was a one point lost to 3-touchdown underdogs Pius X, in which he
missed the final extra point. Kermit and the Crusaders learned from the setback and proceeded to “blitz” the
Catholic League opponents for the remaining season.
After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, Kermit accepted a football scholarship to attend UCLA. Alexander played halfback for the Bruins in 1960, 61, and 62. The former Crusader earned All-American honors
in1962. Also, he was a two-time team MVP and All-Around Excellence Award winner. He was the Bruin team
leader in pass receiving and kickoff returns in ’61 and ’62, and rushing leader in 1963. In addition, he was one of
the team’s top defensive players. Kermit was a first-round selection in the 1963 NFL draft by San Francisco, as
well as the first-round selection of the Denver Broncos of the AFL. He enjoyed a long NFL career from 1963-76
with San Francisco, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. In1968 he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl after a season
in which he had a career high nine interceptions.
Kermit has three adult children, Courtney Alexander Shreve, Kelton Alexander, and Candice Alexander Hanna.
Kermit resides in Riverside with his wife Tami and their five children, Clifton, Jameson, Manoucheka, Semfia,
Zachary, and granddaughter Cyauna.
For more on the story of Alexander’s life see the ESPN special at espn.go.com/?topld=5186001
MARLIN McKEEVER
At Mt. Carmel High School (1953-1957), Marlin made Honor Roll all four
years and California Scholastic Federation junior and senior years. He played
football, basketball, baseball, and was a shot putter and discus thrower. In 1957,
Marlin was chosen as the Los Angeles Examiner Scholastic Association Athlete
of the Year, All American Lineman of the Year, and made the All Catholic
League. In 1957, he and Mike were named Crusader Athletes of the Year and
Most Valuable Players. At U.S.C., he was a 2-time All-American end (1959-60)
and 3-year letterman(1958-60) in football, a 1960 Academic All-American and
lettered twice in track (1959-60). The McKeever’s were the first twins in history to be named All-Americans. Marlin graduated with a business degree in
1961.
Marlin played 13 years in the NFL (1961-74), then entered the business and
insurance industries. The McKeever twins were named to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum University of Southern California’s Golden Anniversary AllTime Football Team, chosen by the Southern California Chapter of the Football
Writer’s Association. Their names are memorialized on a bronze plaque atthe Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
reflecting this honor.
Marlin was inducted into the U.S.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He was inducted into the Mt. Carmel Hall of
Fame in 2007 and he and Mike were deemed “Legacies of Carmel” at the Crespi Carmelite Hall of Fame ceremony
in 2008.
Born January 1, 1940; died October 27, 2006. He is survived by his wife Judy, his four children (Marlin, Jr., Kellee, David and Michelle) and six grandchildren.
MIKE McKEEVER
At Mt. Carmel High School (1953-1957), Mike made Honor Roll all four years
and California Scholastic Federation junior and senior years. He played football,
basketball, baseball, and was a shot putter and discus thrower. In 1957, Mike was
named C.I.F. player of the Year, made the All C.I.F. League, was chosen as an
All American, and he and Marlin were named Crusader Athletes of the Year and
Most Valuable Players. At U.S.C., Mike won 1959 All-American honors as a
guard, was a 3-year letterman (1958-60) and captained the 1960 squad, but was
forced to give up football after a head injury in 1960. He was also a 2timeAcademic All-American (1959-60) and lettered twice in track(1959-60).
Mike and Marlin were the first twins ever to receive All-American honors. Mike
graduated from the U.S.C. with a business degree in1961.
The McKeever twins were named to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum University of Southern California’s Golden Anniversary All-Time Football Team,
chosenby the Southern California Chapter of the Football Writer’s Association.
Their names are memorialized on a bronze plaque at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reflecting this honor.
Mike is a member of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame, Class of1987. He was inducted into
the USC Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Marlin and Mike McKeever were inducted into the Mt. Carmel Hall of
Fame in 2007and were deemed “Legacies of Carmel” at the Crespi Carmelite Hall of Fame ceremony in 2008.
Born January 1, 1940; died August 24, 1967. Survived by his three children (Teri, Mac and Barry) and eight
grandchildren.
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Ebora Bonds Alexander
Dietra Louise Alexander
Damon Andre’ (Butler) Bonner
Damani Osei Garner-Alexander
Congratulations!
Kermit
Marlin
&
Mike
and
Thank You!
for paving the road for
others to realize their
dreams
Mount Carmel High School History
In 1976, Mount Carmel High School – one of the more recognized college
preparatory academies in the Los Angeles corridor – graduated its last class…
ending a nearly half century era of outstanding scholarship, athletic prominence,
and social responsibility. A few years thereafter, the school buildings were
destroyed by fire, leaving an empty lot of faded memories which were eventually
frozen in time through the dedication and reopening of the school site as a
neighborhood park honoring the contributions of the Carmelite Community and
the products of its education. Although the structure was gone, the spirit of
Mount Carmel High School endured and will perpetually endure through the
youngsters utilizing Alexander/McKeever Field.
CONGRATULATIONS!
to my Bruin Brother Kermit Alexander
And Sincere Thanks to
The City of Los Angeles
Department of Recreation and Parks
for providing recreational
opportunities for me and thousands
of inner city children throughout
Los Angeles
Brian Price
UCLA & Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Herrera Family
is proud to support
The Dedication of Alexander / McKeever Field
at the Mount Carmel Recreation Center
former site of the powerhouse
Mount Carmel High School
All for one and one for all and all for Mount Carmel !
Frank Herrera, MCHS 1960
Christina Herrera, St. Joseph HS
Frank J. Herrera, St. John Bosco HS
Anthony Herrera, St. John Bosco HS
Arthur Herrera, MCHS 1973
Amanda Herrera, Rosary HS
Rudy Herrera MCHS 1976
Nickolas Herrera, Servite HS
Noelle Herrera, Rosary HS
Susana Herrera, Our Lady of Loretto 1975
Alfred Herrera, MCHS 1964
Alfred Herrera, Servite HS
George Herrera, Servite HS
Michael Herrera, MCHS 1976, St. John
Bosco 1978
Alexandra Herrera, Oak Middle
School
Christopher Herrera, MCHS 1966
Rachel Herrera, Rosary HS
Brent Herrera, Servite HS
Jennifer Herrera, Rosary HS
Mark Herrera, St. John Bosco 1982
Ashley Herrera, Kennedy HS
Kelsey Herrera, Rosary HS
Matthew Herrera, St. John Bosco HS
Ruth Meade Herrera, St. Matthias HS 1969
Maria Gonzales, Rosary HS
Congratulations
At Mt. Carmel, I learned the value of muscle tone
and brain tone, both – the Greek-Roman
ideal. Learning discipline on and off this field
made me better able to appreciate the need for
same in the classroom, where I became a rigorous
student.
Thanks to the best teachers in any LA high school
at the time (like Fr. Eugene McCallen and alum
John Wilhelm), and the best coaches (alums Jerry
Hennessey and John Smith, e.g.), I also got to
grow strong and resolute in purpose. I still quote
these guys, for they helped me overcome shyness
and become a leader (voted most inspirational
player on the ’66 varsity football team), with
honesty and compassion. Later life was more
enjoyable and a lot easier, after lessons from
these guys as my early teachers.
Many thanks, Chuck Hurd.
My Crusader Brothers Kermit, Marlin & Mike
Kenneth Simeon 65’, Retired President/CEO
Simeon Construction
Phil Trani’s
Fine Food and Spirits
3400 Long Beach Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 426-3668
Nativity
Catholic School
CHUCK HURD, Esq.
Mediator, Arbitrator
1180 Lunaai Street
Kailua, Hawaii 96734
808 262-7186
944 West 56th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Tel (323) 752-0720 – Fax (323) 752-1945
Greg Williams Enterprises
Peak Performance From Inside Out
Executive Coaching – Team Building – Life Coaching
- 323-223-0681 *
*
*
*
*
*
On behalf of the Class of 1965, we voice our gratitude for
an outstanding education within an exceptional environment.
Jay & Esterlyn Williams, MCHS '65 Parents
Greg & Eleana Williams
The Mt. Carmel class of 1963 has proven its worth by their participation in, and backing of, all that
Mt. Carmel High School had undertaken and what it stood for in years past. They benefited and reaped
praise for Mt. Carmel by their endeavors in the classroom
and on this field, which is being dedicated and honored
this 15th day of October, 2011.
The Mt. Carmel tradition will forever remain with us.
“Crusader Sons Are We”
Gilbert Aguinaga
Joseph Faherty
Edward Aguirre
Michael Halleck
Carl Barber
Charles Hurd
Stephan Bradasich
James Kisiah
Joseph Condon
Patrick Murphy
George Guzman, Student Body President
The above individuals have generously donated to this tribute on behalf of the entire MC class
of 1963. It was a long time coming recognition of not only Kermit Alexander and Mike &
Marlin McKeever, but to all those athletes that step foot on this field.
Congratulations!!!
Alexander-McKeever
Families
Neighborhood Youth Achievers
Michael Wainwright
Executive Director
10221 Compton Ave Suite 103, Los Angeles, CA 90002
(323) 569-6962· nyachievers.org · wainwrightmichael@yahoo.com
We Are Proud Of You
Alexander-McKeever
Families
THE LADERA GROUP
Grace Denton· Margo Harris· John Martin ‘65
6820 La Tijera Blvd Suite 217· Los Angeles, Ca, 90045
(310) 568-0244· (760) 559-7069··jmartin@theladeragroup.com
In Honor of Ed Mabry, Class of 1958, and all
the Great Football Players of the Dream Years,
1955-1958
Mabry blasts through Santa Maria defense for T. D.
Don Mabry, Class of 1956
FULL
S P O R T S
CIRCLE
M
G
M
T
"Full Circle Sports Management
would like to congratulate
Kermit Alexander, Marlin
McKeever, and Mike McKeever
on their success at Mt. Carmel
High School and in each of their
subsequent athletic
pursuits leading to this
well-deserved honor.”
FCSM
With almost five decades of industry
experience, Full Circle Sports Mgmt.
provides quality representation for
professional Baseball players that is
unmatched in the industry. True to
our name, Full Circle guides each one
of our clients from the beginning of
their careers into retirement and
beyond. We put our clients in a
position to succeed on and off the
field and provide the necessary
guidance in order to accomplish our
mutual goals.
CONTACT
Full Circle Sports Management
23151 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone: (949)206-0988
Fax: (949)206-0963
Twitter: @FullCircleSM
LARRY O’BRIEN
- (949)547-1382
PARTNER
larry@fullcirclesm.com
BARTON CERIONI - (949)689-1772
PARTNER
barton@fullcirclesm.com
KURT VARRICCHIO - (858)254-3063
PARTNER
W W W . F U L L C I R C L E S M . C O M
kurt@fullcirclesm.com
Mount Carmel
Serving the Community
Since 1935
Mount Carmel Alumni Foundation
mtcarmelcrusaders.org