1960's
(Click on year to view more information, please note year is football season not graduation)
1959 The Inaugural Season : The 1959 season would also be the first season for Thomas Jefferson Jaguar Football, however T.J. would have to wait a few years before becoming official members of the WPIAL. The team was coached by Art Conner, and scored a great victory in its opening game versus Snowden (South Park). The team finished 2-6.
1960 Jaguars Establishing a Reputation: In just their second year of varsity football the Jaguars turned in a terrific season under head coach Art Conner finishing the season at 7-1-1. They were not eligible for the playoffs, as membership into the WPIAL was a year away. In the fall of 1960, the Jaguars surprised the community when they posted the fantastic 7 -1-1 record. The only loss came against neighborhood rival Elizabeth-Forward. There were major upset victories posted against the likes of West Mifflin North, Bethel Park, Monongahela, and North Hills.
1961 The Jaguars Join the WPIAL: The 1961 Jaguars entered into their first season of officially being a member of the WPIAL as a "AA" school. The team had a strong senior class, and an up and coming underclass that would carry the team. The team was coached by Art Conner in his third year at the helm, and they defeated arch rival Brentwood and Elizabeth Forward for the first time.
1962 Art Conner Steps Down After Second Losing Season: The Art Conner era came to an end after a disappointing season of 2-7, and was the second straight losing record for the young Jaguars in their second year of being official members of the WPIAL. The year 1962 was a “long” season for the Jaguars. There were only two victories. Wins were recorded over Fox Chapel and North Allegheny. One bright spot was the introduction of some new uniforms and modern helmets.
1963 Urda Hired, Record is Not Everything: The Jerry Urda reign as head coach begins. The 1963 Thomas Jefferson Jaguar Football team cannot be measure in wins and losses, but the true heart of desire and emotions would best signify this team. Jerry Urda took over the reins after the resignation of Art Conner. Coach Urda, would boast,” we are going to win ‘em all, including Clairton!” In Urda's initial campaign he was fortunate to have a student body that participated and supported Jaguar football. The team had 49 members on the 1963 team, and the stands of Jaguar Stadium were consistently filled with fans of all ages.
1964 Jaguars Mired in Fourth Straight Losing Season: During head coach Jerry Urda's final season as the Jaguar's head man the team completed its fourth straight losing season. The squad finished their season with a record of 1-9, and their only win was against Bishop Boyle in the third game of the season. Still, some players stood out such as Quarterback Rich Castagna, Wing Jack Gillen, Center/linebacker Joe Kolvek, runningback/safety Jim Ashman, and fullback Wayne Fisher. Linemen included Jim Hazen, Dale Harry, Rick Niccolai, and Jay Weber.
1965 Bap Manzini Era Begins: Head coach Jerry Urda is replaced with a 13 year veteran head coach by the name of Baptiste "Bap" Manzini, and a new era of football excellence was born. Though new excitement and enthusiasm was instilled, success would not come easy. Throughout the course of Manzini’s first year at TJ, there were many exciting moments. Runningback Wayne Fisher used his great speed to tally 6 touchdowns against Serra, and Bobby Johnson made an exceptional run of 92 yards against Fox Chapel after reversing his field about three times!
1966 Jaguars Join Big 9 Conference: The Jaguars were improving under second year coach Bap Manzini, as they looked to improve upon the previous season. With many returning lettermen the expectations were high. The offensive line returned almost completely intact with players like Jim Buches and Denny Peterson. The 1966 season marked their inclusion into one of the toughest conferences in the WPIAL by being realigned into the Big 9. The Jaguars proved to be a force to reckon with from the start.
1967 Season of Firsts:
First, the Thomas Jefferson faithful get "Friday Night Lights", as Jaguar Stadium is outfitted with stadium lighting. Behind third year coach Bap Manzini, the Jaguars win their first Big 9 Conference championship. The Jaguars roared to a record of 8-1 in 1967. Running back Ray Thomas was simply awesome as he scored a school record of 24 touchdowns. Fullback/linebacker Rich Lacoma was a most feared player. On defense, Tom Jenkins, Walter Kalcevic, and defensive back Fred Schademan were stalwarts.
1968 Jaguars Win Second Straight: Another season, another conference title for Coach Bap Manzini and the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars. The Jaguars were led by a strong offensive line, and the tough defensive play that had quickly become a staple of TJ football. Behind the blocking of Rob Morini and Howard Cochran, the leadership of Center Steve Snavely, the talent of Jim Griffiths, John “Hoppy” Mitruski, Tom Coles, Tom Fisher, and quarterback Harry Phillips they delivered an amazing 8-2 season.
1969 Jaguars Continue Dominance in the Big Ten: The 1969 Jaguars under head coach Bap Manzini completed another steller year finishing 8-1, and garnered a third straight conference championship. Due to changes in WPIAL format, the Big Nine was now the Big Ten. The team averaged 24.1 points per game offensively, while yielding 11.4 defensively. In three years, there had been three conference titles in a row!