On Monday, November 30th,1964, students, alumni and all Titan fans were in complete shock to hear the announcement that the Univer- sity of Detroit’s varsity football program would be shut down.
The team to that point had a memorable 68 year history. Detroit’s all-time record was 308-204-24, it produced 18 NFL stars and coaches and won the NCAA Football Cham- pionship in 1928.
President Laurence V. Britt said at the time that “all reasonable efforts had been made” to keep the team. In the 58 years since, Titan Field hasn’t hosted an official football game.
Until now.
The Loyola High School Bulldogs, who normally play in the suburbs, have been using Titan Field for home games this season.
Starting quarterback Daniel Kent told The Detroit News last month he’s excited for the opportunity.
“It feels amazing,” Kent told The News. “We’re bringing football back to the city. It’s a statement.”
Loyola High School, located only two-and-a-half miles from Detroit Mercy, was established in 1993 by the Jesuits and the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Since 1993, Loyola has offered their football program for its stu- dents to participate and play against other Michigan High Schools in the MHSAA (Michigan High Schools Athletic Association).
After many years of not having their own home football field, the University of Detroit Mercy agreed to allow the Bulldogs to play their Friday and Saturday football games right here on Titan Field.
The team, with the help of an alumni donation, purchased $15,000 portable field goal posts for the field, according to The News.
The arrangement is beneficial to Loyola, finally giving the Bulldogs their home field, but also beneficial to Detroit Mercy, finally giving the Titans a proper team to cheer for.
The Loyola team first took the field on Aug. 26th against the Detroit Country Day Yellowjackets, falling 29-14. The team’s next game at Titan Field will take
place against the University of Detroit Jesuit Cubs on Friday, Sept. 23rd, at 7 p.m.
