Alexander/Mckeever Field Dedication Mount Carmel Recreation Center October 15, 2011

Alexander/McKeever Field Dedication Mount Carmel Recreation Center October 15, 2011 Mount Carmel High School Alumni & City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Welcome You to Dedication Ceremonies for Alexander / McKeever Field at Mount Carmel Recreation Center Master of Ceremonies, Mark Mariscal, LADRP Superintendent Pacific Region Invocation by Father Augustus Carter, Former Principal Mt. Carmel High School Bernard Parks, Los Angeles City Councilmember Eighth District Jon Kirk Mukri, General Manager LADRP Richard Montielh, President Mount Carmel Alumni Foundation John Young, Mount Carmel High School Class of 1967 Oscar Edwards, UCLA Football Alum Kermit Alexander, Honoree Vince Evans, USC Football Alum Barry McKeever, for Mike McKeever, Honoree Marlin McKeever, Jr. for Marlin McKeever, Honoree Judith Cannavo McKeever for Marlin McKeever KERMIT ALEXANDER Kermit Joseph Alexander was born January 4, 1941 in New Iberia, Louisi- ana, to parents Ebora and Kermit Alexander, Sr. The Alexander family moved to California in 1945 and settled in the Watts Community. His family resided in the Jordan Downs public housing apartments where he soon became one of the top athletes in the city. Kermit’s athletic career path be- gan playing CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports at St. Malachy Grammar School. He credits Principal Fr. Coombs, who also served as the athletic coach, for providing confidence, guidance, and directions to Mt. Carmel High. Kermit entered Carmel with aspirations of playing on the Cru- sader Basketball Team. After a disappointing freshman football season, he decided to concentrate on Track and Basketball. Fortunately, Coach Jim “Red’ Williams talked the sophomore into trying football again. As a result of Coach William’s confidence, Kermit led the Crusader Football Team to three Catholic League Championships and two C.I.F. (California Interscho- lastic Federation) Quarter-Finals appearances. He was a 3-time All Catholic League Selection, 2-Time All CIF Selection, and 2-Time Catholic League Most Valuable Player. During his Carmel Career, the Crusaders were 2-1 against the dreaded Cubs of Loyola High School. His most memorable game was a one point lost to 3-touchdown underdogs Pius X, in which he missed the final extra point. Kermit and the Crusaders learned from the setback and proceeded to “blitz” the Catholic League opponents for the remaining season. After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, Kermit accepted a football scholarship to attend UCLA. Alex- ander played halfback for the Bruins in 1960, 61, and 62. The former Crusader earned All-American honors in1962. Also, he was a two-time team MVP and All-Around Excellence Award winner. He was the Bruin team leader in pass receiving and kickoff returns in ’61 and ’62, and rushing leader in 1963. In addition, he was one of the team’s top defensive players. Kermit was a first-round selection in the 1963 NFL draft by San Francisco, as well as the first-round selection of the Denver Broncos of the AFL. He enjoyed a long NFL career from 1963-76 with San Francisco, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. In1968 he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl after a season in which he had a career high nine interceptions. Kermit has three adult children, Courtney Alexander Shreve, Kelton Alexander, and Candice Alexander Hanna. Kermit resides in Riverside with his wife Tami and their five children, Clifton, Jameson, Manoucheka, Semfia, Zachary, and granddaughter Cyauna. For more on the story of Alexander’s life see the ESPN special at espn.go.com/?topld=5186001 MARLIN McKEEVER At Mt. Carmel High School (1953-1957), Marlin made Honor Roll all four years and California Scholastic Federation junior and senior years. He played football, basketball, baseball, and was a shot putter and discus thrower. In 1957, Marlin was chosen as the Los Angeles Examiner Scholastic Association Athlete of the Year, All American Lineman of the Year, and made the All Catholic League. In 1957, he and Mike were named Crusader Athletes of the Year and Most Valuable Players. At U.S.C., he was a 2-time All-American end (1959-60) and 3-year letterman(1958-60) in football, a 1960 Academic All-American and lettered twice in track (1959-60). The McKeever’s were the first twins in history to be named All-Americans. Marlin graduated with a business degree in 1961. Marlin played 13 years in the NFL (1961-74), then entered the business and insurance industries. The McKeever twins were named to the Los Angeles Me- morial Coliseum University of Southern California’s Golden Anniversary All- Time Football Team, chosen by the Southern California Chapter of the Football Writer’s Association. Their names are memorialized on a bronze plaque atthe Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reflecting this honor. Marlin was inducted into the U.S.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He was inducted into the Mt. Carmel Hall of Fame in 2007 and he and Mike were deemed “Legacies of Carmel” at the Crespi Carmelite Hall of Fame ceremony in 2008. Born January 1, 1940; died October 27, 2006. He is survived by his wife Judy, his four children (Marlin, Jr., Kel- lee, David and Michelle) and six grandchildren. MIKE McKEEVER At Mt. Carmel High School (1953-1957), Mike made Honor Roll all four years and California Scholastic Federation junior and senior years. He played football, basketball, baseball, and was a shot putter and discus thrower. In 1957, Mike was named C.I.F. player of the Year, made the All C.I.F. League, was chosen as an All American, and he and Marlin were named Crusader Athletes of the Year and Most Valuable Players. At U.S.C., Mike won 1959 All-American honors as a guard, was a 3-year letterman (1958-60) and captained the 1960 squad, but was forced to give up football after a head injury in 1960. He was also a 2- timeAcademic All-American (1959-60) and lettered twice in track(1959-60). Mike and Marlin were the first twins ever to receive All-American honors. Mike graduated from the U.S.C. with a business degree in1961. The McKeever twins were named to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Uni- versity of Southern California’s Golden Anniversary All-Time Football Team, chosenby the Southern California Chapter of the Football Writer’s Association. Their names are memorialized on a bronze plaque at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reflecting this honor. Mike is a member of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame, Class of1987. He was inducted into the USC Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Marlin and Mike McKeever were inducted into the Mt. Carmel Hall of Fame in 2007and were deemed “Legacies of Carmel” at the Crespi Carmelite Hall of Fame ceremony in 2008. Born January 1, 1940; died August 24, 1967. Survived by his three children (Teri, Mac and Barry) and eight grandchildren. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE ALEXANDER FAMILY Ebora Bonds Alexander Dietra Louise Alexander Damon Andre’ (Butler) Bonner Damani Osei Garner-Alexander Congratulations!Congratulations! Kermit Marlin & Mike and ThankThank You!You! for paving the road for others to realize their dreams Mount Carmel High School History In 1976, Mount Carmel High School – one of the more recognized college preparatory academies in the Los Angeles corridor – graduated its last class… ending a nearly half century era of outstanding scholarship, athletic prominence, and social responsibility. A few years thereafter, the school buildings were destroyed by fire, leaving an empty lot of faded memories which were eventually frozen in time through the dedication and reopening of the school site as a neighborhood park honoring the contributions of the Carmelite Community and the products of its education. Although the structure was gone, the spirit of Mount Carmel High School endured and will perpetually endure through the youngsters utilizing Alexander/McKeever Field. CONGRATULATIONS! to my Bruin Brother Kermit Alexander And Sincere Thanks to The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for providing recreational opportunities for me and thousands of inner city children throughout Los Angeles Brian Price UCLA & Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Herrera Family is proud to support The Dedication of Alexander / McKeever Field at the Mount Carmel Recreation Center former site of the powerhouse Mount Carmel High School All for one and one for all and all for Mount Carmel ! Frank Herrera, MCHS 1960 Arthur Herrera, MCHS 1973 Rudy Herrera MCHS 1976 Christina Herrera, St. Joseph HS Amanda Herrera, Rosary HS Nickolas Herrera, Servite HS Frank J. Herrera, St. John Bosco HS Noelle Herrera, Rosary HS Anthony Herrera, St. John Bosco HS Susana Herrera, Our Lady of Loretto 1975 Michael Herrera, MCHS 1976, St. John Alfred Herrera, MCHS 1964 Bosco 1978 Alfred Herrera, Servite HS Alexandra Herrera, Oak Middle George Herrera, Servite HS School Christopher Herrera, MCHS 1966 Mark Herrera, St. John Bosco 1982 Rachel Herrera, Rosary HS Ashley Herrera, Kennedy HS Brent Herrera, Servite HS Kelsey Herrera, Rosary HS Jennifer Herrera, Rosary HS Matthew Herrera, St. John Bosco HS Ruth Meade Herrera, St. Matthias HS 1969 Maria Gonzales, Rosary HS Congratulations At Mt. Carmel, I learned the value of muscle tone and brain tone, both – the Greek-Roman My Crusader Brothers Kermit, Marlin & Mike ideal. Learning discipline on and off this field made me better able to appreciate the need for Kenneth Simeon 65’, Retired President/CEO same in the classroom, where I became a rigorous student. Simeon Construction Thanks to the best teachers in any LA high school at the time (like Fr. Eugene McCallen and alum John Wilhelm), and the best coaches (alums Jerry Phil Trani’s Hennessey and John Smith, e.g.), I also got to grow strong and resolute in purpose.

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