Andover 1974 Football Team Celebrates During Homecoming

Fifty years ago, this team was one of the most successful in Andover Barons’ history. After a frenzied one-point loss in their opening game, the team dominated, ending the season with an 8-1 record. They were undefeated league champions, and were ranked tenth in the state by the Detroit News. They set six school records, and saw three of their teammates go on to play football at the University of Michigan.

In addition to a special announcement made after the first quarter of the Homecoming game to celebrate their team, members of the alumni from the 1974 football season enjoyed a lively team conversation near the end zone during the game, and then gathered at The Lodge in Keego Harbor for more story-telling and reminiscing. Bill Hall, one of the reunion organizers, shared that six of their teammates have sadly passed away, “so one of the more meaningful parts of the evening was sharing memories of the departed — with an important message for us, to enjoy each day we have.” 

Hall also said of the festivities: “It was fun to see how — after 50 years — it was so easy to pick up the conversation right where we left off! We enjoyed comparing notes about how this formative period of our lives subsequently led to so many different paths after Andover, with tons of stories to share! Being on the home gridiron again after so many years was very special. We’d like to offer our sincere thanks to Mike Cowdrey and the BHHS Athletics and Communications teams for all their support!”

Hall reflected about being a part of that historic Andover football team: “It was a remarkable learning experience for us; after enduring a humbling 2-7 campaign in 1973, we saw how the right blend of coaching, positivity, selflessness, and discipline could be transformative, as we ended the 1974 season as state-ranked and undefeated league champs.” What Hall loved the most about being an Andover student was, “the camaraderie, the friendships, and the support, and being able to chart our course (while stumbling from time to time) with help and guidance along the way.”

Bloomfield Hills Schools provides students a well-rounded education - from the classrooms, to the auditorium, to the fields - that makes its mark for a lifetime. Congratulations to the alumni from the 1974 football season on celebrating their 50th Reunion!