Anaheim High alumni have made history as players or coaches in the Super Bowl. In fact, Anaheim High holds the record for the most grads from  an Orange County high school to participate in pro football’s ultimate game.

Now  let’s put the icing on the cake by adding that Anaheim High’s 1967 Drill Team made an appearance in the first Superbowl! Hard to top!

But first let’s talk about the players.

Anaheim’s Reuben Droughns, Class of 1996, played on special teams for the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The most prolific running back in Anaheim Colonists football history, Droughns is the only Anaheim running back to surpass 1,000 yards rushing three times, and ended his career with 4,958 yards, the second highest total in Orange County history up to that time. Check out the Hall of Fame listing on this website to learn more about his pro career and what’s he’s doing now.

Gerry “Moon” Mullins, Class of 1967, is the main man when it comes to playing in Super Bowls. He played in Pittsburgh’s first four Super Bowl champions (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Playing under Chuck Noll, Mullins established himself at left guard, and was an integral part of the Steelers’ dynasty of the 1970s. He started in all four of Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl victories, blocking for the Pro Football Hall of Fame backfield duo of Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris. Mullins spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers, retiring after Pittsburgh’s victory in Super Bowl XIV. Read more about this Anaheim High great in the Hall of Fame list on this website.

Jim Fassel, Class of ’67, was named NFL Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm in New York, when he led Giants to Super Bowl XXXV.  He’s stilling winning football games as head coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives, leading the United Football League team to two back-to-back championships. You can read more about his career on this website under the Hall of Fame listing.

 Better yet, meet Jim in person at the Feb. 21 AHS Alumni Association Golf Classic and Dinner. This President’s Day event at Western Hills Country Club is not just for golfers. All alumni, family and friends are invited to enjoy a day on the course, in the club house, at a post-game reception, silent auction and dinner. Jim will lead a live auction of items he’s donating, including a Las Vegas package. Jim is a true “Blue and Gold” Colonist and donates an annual scholarship in the name of his father, Bud Fassel, also an AHS graduate who served as equipment manager and was part of the legendary Clare Van Hoorebeke football program.  

Now back to the Drill Team . . .Becky Scott, a Class of ’67 grad, well remembers the experience of performing during the half-time show for the first Super Bowl, which was played in Los Angeles. 

Green Bay and Kansas City were the opposing teams and the Arizona and Grambling University Bands were featured in the half-time ceremony, along with the AHS Drill Team. Becky remembers that the bands and AHS Drill Team formed an outline of the United States and several of the AHS girls were picked to carry NFL team flags and march onto the “map” where the teams were located.  Becky carried the San Francisco 49er’s flag. 

Anyone with photos or addtional memories of this Super Bowl appearance is encouraged to share them. Please email anaheimalumni@yahoo.com with your special memories of Anaheim High.