Football Home Opener Comeback Inspired by Honored Legends Skip Lee and Frank McMurrey

Between the first and second quarters, Headmaster Dan Alig led the rededication ceremony of the newly constructed Skip Lee Field and Frank McMurrey Memorial Track. St. John’s legends, Skip Lee and Frank McMurrey ’74, are both honored in these spaces. Lee was the long-time head football coach, and McMurrey was one of his players, in addition to being a top pole vaulter in the nation. Lee put in 36 years at St. John’s as a teacher, athletic director, coach, and dean. McMurrey passed away during his senior year of high school due to a congenital heart issue. Both men made a lasting impact on the school. 

“Skip Lee and Frank McMurrey are synonymous with St. John's athletics for me personally,” said Coach Richie Mercado ’79. “Their impact on the school's legacy is immense. Skip affected so many athletes and coaches over his years with St. John's football as a coach, mentor, and friend. And I was blessed as a young boy to see Frank jump and to marvel at his athleticism. His untimely death affected everyone greatly, but from it came the first all-weather track at St. John's and a legacy that is defined by the quote beneath the flagpole on the first turn: "Dedicated to Frank by the many who loved him, and to those who follow him here who share his desire to excel and his joy in sport." No better legacies could be honored than theirs with a brand new Skip Lee Field and McMurrey Memorial Track.”

Lee and McMurrey may have had something to say as the Mavericks trailed Second Baptist 14-0 in the third quarter. Then, late in the third, QB James Young ’27 found Jacob Thomas ’29 for a 23-yard touchdown, and Carson Murray ’27 punched in a 4-yard TD run to tie it minutes later.  Murray added two more TD runs in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Kicker Leyton Rhee ’27, holder Mac Sayers ’28, and deep snapper Henry Mossman ’27 converted all four PATs. 

“It was definitely a presence of pride that we felt that built into the fact that we never doubted, despite the score,” said Hanley Sayers ’27, who led the team with 184 yards rushing. “In the 3rd quarter, we had the strength to compete and win the game. Everyone there got us fired up and kept us in the game.”

The celebratory evening also included a Lower School Night fan fest. Younger Mavs swarmed the stands and sidelines with pride, many sporting ferocious face paint. The Alumni watch party in the Tradition Room added to the fanfare. 

“I thought the energy was great,” said Murray. “There were lots of fans and students, and we fed off of that the whole game.”

These dedicated spaces will serve St. John’s for years to come. Friday night's football highlights are a great start. And the entire night reflected the way legends like Lee and McMurrey inspire today’s students to achieve.

"Taking the lead in the 4th quarter changed everything,” said Head Coach Kevin Veltri. “We felt the momentum swing our way. We always say, ‘Never too high, never too low.’ From that point on, we fed on the energy from the crowd that was there for the rededication of Skip Lee Field and the Frank McMurrey Memorial Track.”