Dr. Jim Morrison

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 15, 2023
• Comments off

Doctor Jim Morrison was a terrific all-around athlete who lettered for three years in both basketball and football for Mt. Carmel High School. Yet for many old-time fans his entire career as an athlete is focused on one play. But what a play it was! Doc caught a toss from Mike Terry for the extra point that enabled the Tornadoes to beat Bellefonte 7-6 and win the fist ever State Championship for Mt. Carmel in 1927.

The game was played in the snow on December 8, 1927 at Beaver Field on the Penn State Campus. The Big Red had scored on a touchdown run my Mike Terry to come from behind to tie the score 6-6. Because of the condition of the field it was obvious that a single point would loom large in the final outcome.

The Tornadoes lined up as if to kick the extra point…with QB Bert Jones apparently set to hold the placement for Mike Terry’s attempted kick. But the ball was snapped directly to Terry; and Doc Morrison was able to get free in the end zone to catch the deciding point. Mt Carmel made the point stand up for the victory and the state title.

Doc continued his athletic career in college as a baseball player for the Gaels of Mt. St. Mary’s as a freshman. But after a single season there he transferred to Georgetown, where he earned his degree in Dentistry. He was always a great sports fan and supporter of local athletics. But he is remembered most for that one play in 1927 that won a state championship.