“A Last Hurrah” Documentary

Documentary of Historic ’56 Football Game Endorsed by AHS Hall of Famer, NFL Coach Jim Fassel ’67

May 11, 2017 by AHSAA

With nearly half of the $24,000 goal realized for initial funding, Anaheim High’s Jim Fassel (’67) is working with film maker Paul Molina to push for the final amount needed to turn a documentary of the historic 1956 CIF championship football game into a realty.

Click here to view Jim’s promo!

With hundreds of hours of research, filmed interviews and footage already in place, “A Last Hurrah” is closer to being realized. The documentary is aimed at PBS audiences, and a special Orange County premiere of the film is being planned for sometime in 2018.

All donations are tax deductible if made through the AHSAA. Mail to P.O. Box 389, Anaheim, CA 92815. Please write “A Last Hurrah” in the check memo line.

Let us know your donation is in the mail by dropping a note to anaheimalumni@yahoo.com.

Depending on the donation amount, acknowledgment gifts are available, including premiere tickets, a copy of the game film and program, or even a film credit if you want to see your name in lights. Donations will also be acknowledged on the project website: www.alasthurrahmovie.com.

Questions may be addressed to Paul Molina at 651-492-2011 or alasthurrahmovie@gmail.com

Click here to see photos from Anaheim High’s recent 60th anniversary celebration of the game with former players, cheer, yell leaders and fans.

Thanks for your support of a project that immortilizes Anaheim High’s football program led by Hall of Famers Clare Van Hoorebeke, Mikey Flynn and other legendary Colonist players.

Football Players from the 1956 CIF Championship Team Unite for 60th Anniversary Celebration

October 23, 2016 by AHSAA

Anaheim Colonists celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the historic 1956 CIF Championship game – ranked #6 of the top 100 events in CIF’s last 100 years – by inviting former players back to the campus on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.

The players were feted by the Varsity Football Team and fans who haven’t forgotten the celebrated game that ended in a 13-13 tie between Anaheim and Downey. Both teams were undefeated with record-setting runningbacks known as the touch-down twins, Mickey Flynn from Anaheim and Downey’s Randy Meadows.

Friday’s celebration started with players and others connected with “The Big Game” being interviewed by “The Last Hurrah” documentary filmmaker Paul Molina.

The film will illustrate how a game of such magnitude could not – and would not – ever happen again due to the changing economics and infrastructure of the southland that would transform the small towns of Anaheim and Downey into entertainment and aerospace capitols. High school football would continue to be popular – but it would never again be king. (Click here for a preview of “The Last Hurrah” documentary.)

The players who returned to the Anaheim High campus, and those who could not, are still kings in the eyes of the the Colony Community.

The anniversary celebration carried over to the cafeteria, where the Varsity Football Team, former players, family and friends, gathered for a meal, to watch the restored film of the 1956 game, and to hear a pep talk from legendary runningback Mickey Flynn, whose #25 is one of only four retired by Anaheim High.

Haller of Famer Jim Fassel (’67) was also on hand to support the team. Fassel is a former NY Giants Super Bowl coach who has been a life-long Colonist supporter, like his father Bud Fassel (’38), AHS equipment manager and right-hand man to Coach Clare Van Hoorebeke.

After a group photo, the Varsity Team left to suit-up, and the alumni contingency toured the newly remodeled campus fitness center (what’s been known as the weight room) featuring equipment donated by Fassel from his two-time UFL champions Las Vegas Locomotives. Fassel served as head coach, president and general manager.

After a refreshment break, the group’s next stop was Glover Stadium for the game and half-time ceremony to honor the former players. Anaheim won the game 38-27 against Savanna. Escorted by student ambassadors, the crowd embraced the 1956 CIF Championship players with applause and adoration.

It was a perfect ending for a special day celebrating a game for the ages, the players who played it, and the fans who still talk about “The Big Game.”

A more indepth article about “The Big Game” is available via this link. Click here to view related photos from the 1957 yearbook.

Following are more photos from the day: