The 1935 Mauch Chunk Catholic football team, who were nicknamed "The Little Notre Damers" was one of the finest gridiron squads ever assembled in the now Jim Thorpe community.

Over a period of three seasons and over a span of 27 games the Cougars compiled a record of 21-4, with two ties. Their best team in that stretch came in 1935 under the guidance of coach Larry B. Morris. Morris played football at Gettysburg College, and after his playing days were over, took a job as a teacher as East Mauch Chunk High School and also took the head coaching position at Mauch Chunk Catholic.The 1935 Cougars proved to be a very special team. They finished with a record of 8-2 with their only two losses coming to Philipsburg Catholic (6-0) and Lansford High School (6-0).Overall they outscored their opponents 206-45. Their defense was just as impressive as their offense, shutting out the opposition five times and giving up just 4.5 points per game.Members of the 1935 starting lineup included: ends John Fahey and "Junie" Gallagher; tackles Jack Dever and "Chink" McNelis; center "Chickie" Conahan; quarterback "Hogan" Campbell; halfbacks Paul Turnbach and Bobby McDermott; and fullbacks John Turnbach and Bill Herman.The rest of the squad included Phil Bonner, Francie Boyle, Jimmy Reidy, Jimmy Conroy, Leo Fahey, Gene Fahey, "Tank" Gallagher, Gerry Boyle, Frederick Wagner, Pete Milan, John Dugan, Norbie Ryan, Al Heany, "Shindy" Kennedy, Emory Davis, "Fish" McCauley, "Stump" McCauley, "Rocks" Boyle, and the mascot "Mooch" McDermott.The Jim Thorpe Area Sports Hall of Fame banquet will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall. Cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner will start at 6 p.m. The induction ceremonies will begin at 7:15 p.m. and entertainment will follow beginning at 8:30 p.m.Tickets for the induction ceremonies and the entire evening can be obtained by Calling Craig Zurn at 570-325-3855/3621, Ron Sheehan at 57-0325-4244, Wilmer Redline at 570-325-3073, or Jack Kmetz at 570-325-4923.During the next six weeks, the TIMES NEWS will be featuring highlights of each inductee into the Jim Thorpe Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012.The Class of 2012 includes the 1935 Mauch Chunk Catholic High School football team, Thomas Skelly, Jason Figura, Jacob Heydt, Aaron smith, Justin Young, and Derick Reis.