Saint Michael's College

Although he was also a member of the baseball team, 'Crazy Legs' Heggarty will always be best remembered as an outstanding back and kicker on the great Purple Knight football teams of the late 1940's and early 1950's. At times overshadowed in the media by his Hall of Fame backfield classmates Frank Simas and Pete Plourde, he may have been the key ingredient in Coach 'Doc' Jacobs' offensive game plans. Coach Jacobs favored the "T" formation offense, capitalizing on his strong offensive line and talented trio of running backs. Jack was the leading rusher for the undefeated and untied 1951 team, gaining 435 yards on 70 carries. He averaged just over six yards per carry over his impressive three-year career. Jack's career began in dramatic fashion in 1949. In his very first game with the Purple Knights, he scored the only touchdown -- and kicked the extra point -- in a 7-6 upset win over the University of Vermont in front of 6,000 fans! He led the Knights in rushing as a sophomore and senior, and also served as a team captain in his senior season of 1951. He gained over 1,000 yards in his great career (joining Simas and Plourde in that exclusive club), and scored 23 touchdowns. A three-time All-State and two-time All-New England honoree, his Purple Knights were a dominant 17-2-3 (.818) over his career.