Holy Cross Crusaders (1976-80)

We all have things we inexplicably like, be it strawberry ice cream, Jethro Tull or twice-baked potatoes. For myself and this project, it's Holy Cross' late-1970s uniforms. Is it the purple helmets with the numbers on the side, a return of an earlier look and later to return during the 1980s glory years? Is it the ultra-plain "HOLY CROSS" word mark on the front? Is it the reliance on black shoes while other teams were going white? 

Whatever, I've always liked this design, worn during the otherwise unremarkable coaching reign of Neil Wheelwright (20-35, one winning record). The socks changed a couple times, and the number was eventually replaced by a version of the galloping horse logo the school used as its official logo in the 1970s and 80s.

This two-page spread, from the 1977 Purple Patcher yearbook, shows
the 1976 Holy Cross Crusdaders in full-color glory. The first page notes
the team debuted new uniforms that season.

The 1970s-80s logo, taken from an old Dartmouth media guide,
was the basis of the 1979-80 helmet logo.

In 1981, Rick Carter became coach, the numbered helmets returned and the uniforms ... well, imagine a purple version of this. We'll get to it eventually.

This photo of linebacker Tony Rocchio, from The Crusader
newspaper archives, gives a close-up of the plain "HOLY CROSS" word mark.

Want more from Holy Cross? Look here: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2004-08, 1992, 1986-91, 1973-74, 1972, 1971, 1967-70, 1963-65, 1956-59, 1951-55. Rivalry Week: Boston College-Holy Cross.