By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Two Centre graduates were among those who received special recognition Saturday during Tabor’s homecoming celebration.

Marvin Tajchman

Marvin Tajchman of Emporia was a member of the 1969 Tabor football team that celebrated its 50th reunion Saturday. It was Tabor’s first year of varsity football and the team’s first victory in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Bluejays defeated Bethany, 12-7.

Tajchman had graduated from Centre that spring and was a Tabor freshman when he played on the team.

“I got knocked down a couple of times,” he joked.

Tajchman transferred to Emporia State University the following year.

He played with Rolland Bay Lawrence, who went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons from 1973 to 1981.

Tajchman said Tabor’s second football coach, Bill Kriebel, started the football program at Centre.

Barrett Smith

Barrett Smith, son of Eldon and Kim Smith of rural Ramona, was a homecoming candidate this year at Tabor.

He graduated from Centre in 2016.

The senior was a running back on Tabor’s football team for four years.

Unfortunately, an ACL tear and a shoulder injury in September put an end to his football career.

He was pleased to watch his team defeat the University of St. Mary, 24-7, Saturday on the sidelines.

The Bluejays are 4-3 in the KCAC.