Every school has its unique relics, but few match the legacy of the Friars' football varsity jacket #6. This storied piece of history represents decades of pride and victory. Here's its journey, as told by Steve Phillips '69.
The Start of a Legacy: 1961 City Title Game
I grew up dreaming of playing for Monsignor Bonner. Our games filled Villanova Stadium in those days, and the football program was synonymous with greatness. Coach Jack Ferrante, a former Philadelphia Eagles coach, led our team to victory after victory.
In 1961, Bonner played Southern High School for the City Title. That game was the last known time a player wore the #6 jacket on the field. Hap Apalucci, an assistant coach and Bonner alum, was even photographed placing the jacket on one of the players. It was a defining moment for Bonner football, cementing our place in the city's sports history.
Saving the Jacket: My Story from 1966
When I started at Bonner in 1965, I never imagined ending up with a piece of its history. In 1966, my sophomore year, the team began upgrading its gear—new helmets, new uniforms, and yes, new jackets. After the season's final game, I noticed the equipment manager disposing of the jackets and asked him if I could have one.
That's how I came to own the #6 jacket, which I believe to be the last surviving varsity jacket from the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Bringing It Back: 1995 Catholic League Championship
For nearly 30 years, the jacket sat in my closet. In 1994, Bonner was playing Carroll in the Catholic League Championship. My wife, Gail, decided to wear the jacket to the game. I was away on a business trip, but I heard she was a rockstar on the sidelines with that coat.
Bonner won the championship that night, and the jacket returned to the spotlight. It was as if the spirit of those past victories had come back to inspire another generation.
A Full-Circle Moment: 2024 State Championship
Fast forward to 2024. Jack Muldoon, our head coach since 2016 and a fellow alum, led Bonner to its first-ever PIAA Class 4A State Championship. Jack is over ten years younger than me, but he's always understood the importance of tradition. When Jack took over, he reconnected alumni and brought us back into the fold.
In 2017, I gave the jacket to Jack. I told him, "Jack, you've got to wear this when you win the championship." And in December 2024, he did. Seeing him on the sidelines wearing that jacket was incredibly sentimental. It wasn't just a win for the team but a victory for every player, coach, and alum who had ever been part of Friars football.
A Timeless Symbol
I never imagined that the jacket I saved in my closet for more than 30 years would become a treasured relic for our team, transcending time and bridging the gap between past and present. From a historical perspective, it represents the enduring legacy of Friars football, a tradition of success and camaraderie spanning over 70 years.
Jack Muldoon cemented his place in Bonner & Prendie history not only for the historic 2024 state championship win but also for ensuring that anyone who ever laced up their cleats for Friars football felt represented on the field that night. When I saw the photo of him wearing the jacket in the Delco Times, it was an extraordinary moment of pride.
Jack's dedication to honoring alumni and engaging every generation ensures that the legacy of Friars football remains alive and thriving. The #6 jacket is now more than a piece of clothing—it's a symbol of unity, pride, and triumph that continues to inspire all of us who have been a part of this incredible journey.