Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSU students, alumni try to bring back #44
Abstract:
Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little wore number 44 at their time with the Syracuse University football team. Later, the number became the last two digits of the university zip code, as well as the first two digits of university phone numbers.
The number transcended athletics to a part of the university's identity and culture, being the name of one of the most popular student hangouts on campus....
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Dominic
posted 1/13/09 @ 8:53 AM EST
What the hell does Gross know about SU tradition? This guy is a joke and should have been gone a long time ago along with Cantor. Bring back 44 and the OrangeMEN!
Bob Paine '74
posted 1/13/09 @ 10:52 AM EST
"44" has been retired and unretired several times by the University. It was first retired in either the late 1960's or early 1970's and was the unretired to bring a highly touted recruit (I believe it was Ron Page) to campus. It was then re-retired in the late 1970s. Through the years I've read where it was up or down depending on who is calling the shots. 44 has such a special history on campus, I believe it best stay retired and revered. Want to know what it means to me? On the day (my first hero) Ernie Davis died, I told my Dad I was going to go to Syracuse University. Only later in life did I realize what a smart and profound decision that was.
M
posted 1/13/09 @ 2:01 PM EST
the football team is too much of a disgrace now for any of those players to wear such a prestigious number. the last thing we need is them making a mockery out of 1 of the greatest football players in SU history
Brian
posted 1/13/09 @ 3:06 PM EST
It's pretty apparent that Dr. Gross just continues to have no idea what this number means...he just doesn't get it. Maybe some day we can catch Doug Marrone's attention, at least he understands - truly understands - this number's unique place in SU football history.
Dennis Wesolowski '76
posted 1/14/09 @ 2:33 AM EST
44 should stay retired. If you want to honor the number give a current senior class player on the team the honor of wearing it on the last home game of the year. It doesn't have to be a running back but it could be one of the captains on the team. You then have the fans remember the number. I would like to see more numbers retired from other greats in SU football (what about #5???). Or what's better is to remember the names of the great players and put their "Names" up on a "Wall of Fame" in the Carrier Dome. Other teams do that.
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scott
posted 1/13/09 @ 8:46 AM EST
It's really a shame...kind of like the Greg Robinson era (thanks Daryl - great choice). Thank goodness for SU hoops