GHS to recognize ‘Perfect Purple’ teams

On Friday, Oct. 13, Greencastle High School will welcome back two of the most outstanding sports teams in GHS history, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their unforgettable seasons.

The “Golden Perfect Purple” reunion will begin when doors open at 4:45 p.m. on the east side of McAnally Center Gym and continue through kickoff versus North Putnam at 7 p.m. All are welcome to come and visit.

In 1973, two GHS teams earned statewide recognition for their athletic achievement, teamwork and sportsmanship. Greencastle showed what can be accomplished when everyone puts their team, their dreams, and their friends first.

The GHS 1973 volleyball team reached the IHSAA Final Four for the first and only time in school history, bringing great pride to Greencastle and earning a new level of respect for Greencastle women’s athletics. Brenda Andis Brink earned the IHSAA Final Four Trophy for Outstanding Attitude and coach Ann Lawver led the volleyball team to its greatest season ever.

The GHS 1973 football team accomplished something that no GHS football team has done before or since – perfection. The Perfect Purple football team went 10-0, scoring 300 points while allowing only 36. The Tiger Cubs won two games in overtime, recorded five shutouts and allowed only one opponent to score twice.

Fourteen players from the Western Indiana Conference champions were named to the all-conference team, two of them on both offense and defense. Head coach Gary Cassells, offensive coordinator Dick Crawley, defensive wizard John Riggs and assistant coaches John Lanie and Dan Layton led the Perfect Purple football team into history.

The players, managers, coaches and cheerleaders of the 1973 GHS football and volleyball teams will be introduced at halftime.

The Perfect Purple teams express their deepest appreciation to GHS, Athletic Director Doug Greenlee and to all the fans, family and friends that they hope will come to the reunion and game.

For more information about Perfect Purple, visit the Facebook Page “Greencastle High School 1973 Football Perfect Season.”