The 1975 Football State Champions — A Legacy That Still Inspires

The 1975 State Championship laid the foundation for what has become a tradition of excellence in Stag football. Winning the second State Championship in school history, this team was part of an early run of success that saw four State Final appearances in six years.   

For the Sept. 12 game against Blue Valley Southwest, Bishop Miege welcomed back the 1975 State Championship football team at Dixon Doll Stadium. Fifty years ago, these players made history by bringing home the school’s second State win — and in doing so, laid the foundation for what has become a tradition of excellence in Stag football.

“Bishop Miege Football is a program built on the tradition of those who came before us,” Head Coach Jon Holmes said. “To be able to host the 1975 team allowed our current players to listen firsthand what it means to be a Bishop Miege Stag.”

The reunion began just as the original game day did in 1975 with Mass. That fall, senior Tom Fiorini served Mass before suiting up for State. At the anniversary gathering, he again stepped forward to serve at the Mass with his team and the current Stag football players and coaches.

The Road to the Title

Led by Head Coach Len Mohlman, the 1975 Stags powered through the Eastern Kansas League before advancing through the playoffs. In the post-season, they rolled past Coffeyville 38–14, edged Bishop Ward in a thrilling 21–20 rematch from earlier in the season, and faced perennial powerhouse Derby in the State Final.

In front of a spirited home crowd, Bishop Miege defeated Derby 21-13 to capture the 4A State Championship. Despite being underdogs in the eyes of oddsmakers, the Stags dominated statistically, running 72 plays to Derby’s 42, according to the Hart Yearbook. “We completely dominated the game,” Coach Mohlman said in the Hart.

It was a season defined by resilience and teamwork with injuries threatening key players. In one memorable moment, Dr. Jones, the team physician, gave his blessing for Jeff Amrein to throw in the game because it was so wide open, despite having warned against it earlier, according to Coach Mohlman. The decision opened up the field, sealing the championship.

Creating the foundation for a tradition of excellence

The 1975 title was part of an early run of success that saw four State Final appearances in six years (1972, 1974, 1975, 1977). The Stags won three championships in six seasons. That foundation built in the 1970s helped lead to the 11 State Championship banners that now hang in the Miege gym.

The 1975 Stags remain an important part of Bishop Miege history. Their commitment, teamwork, and faith continue to inspire today’s players and remind us of the strong foundation they helped build.

At halftime of the reunion game, the 1975 team was introduced, with special remembrance for players, coaches, and managers who have passed away.

“Coach Mohlman’s pregame message was incredible to be a part of. The pride and passion he has for the 1975 team was evident with every word he spoke. To see his players hang on to his every word 50 years later was incredible to witness.  We felt their presence with us on the field as we won our home opener. We wanted to make sure the 1975 team knew we play for the guy next to us.”

— Head Coach Jon Holmes

Honoring the Champions of 1975

At halftime of the reunion game, the 1975 team was introduced, with special remembrance for players, coaches, and managers who have passed away.

Coaches
Head Coach: Len Mohlman (Kansas High School Coaches Hall of Fame)
Assistants: Gene Clohecy †, John Dillon †, Dale Niehus, Larry Smith †

Managers
Sam Feehan †, Phil Fiorini, Ronnie Grace †, Paul Lacy

Seniors
Jeff Amrein, John Feehan, Peter Fiorini, Mark Gingell, John Growney, Brian Havey, John Lacy, Tom Latz, Tom Ponchur, Kevin Dunn, Joe Kidder, Tim O’Grady, Jay Rohleder, Gary Storm, Rich Williams, Mike Hosty †, Chris Redlingshafer †

Juniors
Chip Ahern, Tony Celletti, Tom Fiorini, Mark Franzen, Mike Galvin, Jody Jones, A.J. Lutz, Don Patterson, Kevin Ring, Rick Cornelius, Jerry Gaughan, Paul Kellerman, Forrest Kennard, Paul Lacy, Bill Lippold, Jim Maher, Eddie Parra, Joe Thompson, Tony Vogt, Neil Roth †

Impacting the next generation

Seniors Graham Walsh and Pierce Butler shared the impact of spending time with the ’75 State Champs. On Thursday night before the game, the team presented the current players with stickers for their helmets and shared a message to inspire them that they took to heart.  

“It was amazing to have the team come back and get to hear their stories. Some of the guys hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years. They sounded a lot like us when we are talking about games and joking around. It was just cool to see the brotherhood that they all still share to this day.

One thing that stood out to me was one the strong sense of brotherhood and how highly they spoke of each other. In their stories, they were always saying how they had to fight for the spot because the guy right down there was so good. They shared the message that we are able to beat anybody no matter what — as long as when we go out there we are fighting for the guys next to us and not to let them down. They said if we did that then we would be unstoppable no matter what.” – Graham Walsh, Class of 2026

“It meant a lot to me because it made me see myself in the future, potentially back with my team. It really showed how much it meant to them seeing them there just for us. The thing that stood out the most was the close bonds of the team and how great of friends they were even 50 years later.” – Pierce Butler, Class of 2026