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University of Minnesota Athletics
1960 National Champion Team Reunites to be Honored
9/18/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
The 1960 National Champion Minnesota football team was reunited Saturday, as it was honored in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gophers' Rose Bowl and championship victory during the game against nationally-ranked USC.
The Minnesota fans gave a warm welcome to the 45 former players that we able to attend the festivities. The former Gophers enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with the fans, but also to get to see old teammates, many of whom they have not been in contact with since their playing days.
"I haven't seen some of these guys in 50 years," former Gopher great and Hall of Fame linebacker-defensive end Bobby Bell said. "It's an enjoyment to meet the family and reacquaint ourselves. Nothing has changed, we're still the same as we were 50 years ago."
The 1960 team spent over an hour signing autographs for fans of all ages before the game. In very personable fashion, the former Gophers used the face-to-face interaction to talk football with the fans -- both older fans sharing memories of the championship season and younger fans discussing the current team.
During halftime, the championship Gophers team was honored as the Minnesota Marching Band recreated the 1960 halftime show while video commemorating the team ran on the scoreboard.
Also included in the game festivities was the Sports Illustrated College Football Experience presented by Nissan. The pre-game event featured both Bell and sports personality Dan Patrick. Fans got to listen in person as the two hosted a Sports Illustrated Chalk Talk, and after the show, both took the time to sign autographs. Also included in the event was the chance for fans to have their picture taken with the Heisman Trophy.
--Keith Beise, Athletic Communications Assistant
