Surviving upperclassmen of Tamaqua’s 1962-63 undefeated football team reunited Saturday in Hometown.

The gathering was part of the 60th reunion of the Tamaqua Area High School Class of 1963 held at Basile’s Italian Restaurant.

Coached by Dick Jones, the team captured the Eastern Conference Football Championship on Dec. 1, 1962.

The team traveled north to the Scranton area and beat previously undefeated Blakely 14-0 before a crowd of 7,500. Upon returning, the team, marching band, fans and buses paraded through town to the high school where a late-night celebration took place.

The team was led by fullback and defensive tackle George Barron, Pennsylvania’s top class A rusher of the time, averaging more than eight yards per carry. He rushed for 1,351 yards according to records.

Barron was named All-County, All-State First Team and All-American. He passed in 2019.

As memories were shared during the reunion, a passage written in 1962 by a classmate was read. They said it summarized the year’s sentiment, saying in part: “We measured success. But we never measured defeat because we were never defeated.”

The reunion was attended by surviving team members who were seniors at the time of the championship, along with class members.

“It was a great day filled with many memories along with this special tribute,” said classmate Anna Mary Milot.

“Thanks to everyone who participated.”

Milot was the reunion organizer and author of the class song. It was sung by attendees, along with the alma mater.

In a related matter, Rhonda Jones Levy and brother Rick Jones, children of the late coach, have indicated a desire to publish a book about the season and championship.