WILDWOOD – Randy Beverly, football hero who led the New York Jets to victory in 1969’s Super Bowl III, stepped back into the halls of Wildwood High School Jan. 29.
Beverly, a former Wildwood High School student, teamed up with the National Football League to present Wildwood High School with a ‘golden football’.
The football not only celebrates the golden anniversary of the Super Bowl, but hopes to encourage students to strive for the best and promote the Wildwood football program.
As a special promotion, all Super Bowl players are presented this special ‘golden football’ to present to their schools to encourage today’s youth.
According to Athletic Director Travis LaFerriere, Wildwood’s football teams have been struggling with recruitment for some time.
Beverly, a 1962 graduate of the school, felt an obligation to return to his hometown after reading about the woes of the troubled Wildwood football program.
“I feel like I’m in heaven being back in Wildwood,” stated Beverly with a smile.
He gave a history of his career and explained how he came from the small town of Wildwood to be an NFL great.
“If you are good enough, no matter where you play, they will find you,” said Beverly, giving words of wisdom to Wildwood youth.
Beverly was the smallest on his team and realized he had something special when he was in Pee Wee football, stressing the need for these programs and urging parents to get involved.
Beverly also stated that his mother was his inspiration and motivation, pushing him and making him work hard and strive to be the best he could be. He stressed not only the benefits to the youths playing but also the benefits to the community.
Programs like football bring the community together. “Wildwood needs to go back to those days,” he said.
Faces at the school library beamed from 80 to 8, showing that no matter the age, communities can and do come together through sports and involvement with youth.
Some of Beverly’s classmates were present and reminisced about their glory days of playing for Wildwood High, almost like a reunion.
Many of the current Wildwood team players asked questions and Beverly responded with “Always play your best,” “stick together,” and “never quit.” He provided words of encouragement to today’s team.
The golden football given by the NFL will be on display at the school as soon as it arrives, a replica ball was created for the presentation.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
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