Approximately 170 former teammates, coaches, and support staff gathered on post Nov. 1–2, 2024, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of an extraordinarily special event: The 1974 Keydet football team winning the Southern Conference championship.
Those attending had the chance to hit the links at the Lexington Golf & Country Club, reminisce with teammates and friends at a Friday night reception, and attend a memorial service for deceased former coaches and teammates Saturday morning. The festivities then continued with a tailgate before attendees moved to Foster Stadium for the game against Furman, where they watched the Keydets defeat the Paladins 21-17. A highlight of the afternoon came at halftime when those attending the championship reunion were called down onto the football field to be recognized.
A special moment came during Friday night’s reception when four former members of the athletics staff received rings commemorating the 50th anniversary of a season in which VMI beat such powerhouse in-state rivals as Virginia Tech and William & Mary and Robert “Bob” Thalman, then head coach, was named both SoCon and NCAA District III coach of the year. Those receiving rings and offering brief remarks afterward were Tom Shupe, former sports information director, as well as Jim Cavanaugh, Joe Bush ’65, and Bill Shaw, all former assistant coaches.
“Witnessing the emotion and excitement of the members of the ’74 Southern Conference Championship Team 50 years later was special,” said Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club chief operating officer and Alumni Agencies chief development officer. “I want to thank the committee that worked tirelessly to help make this weekend special for all. This weekend was proof of the bond that is formed amongst teammates in athletics.”
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Mary Price Development Writer/Communications Specialist
The development writer plays a key role in producing advancement communications. This role imagines, creates, and produces a variety of written communication to inspire donors to make gifts benefiting VMI. Utilizing journalistic features and storytelling, the development writer will produce content for areas such as Annual Giving, stewardship, and gift planning.
