Uniform number 27 has a special significance in Mount Carmel football.  Unlike most numbers on the roster, which are selected by the players themselves, since 1986 #27 has been assigned by the coaching staff.

According to Head Coach Frank Lenti, “Coach Nolan started the tradition of the number 27. After his senior year, I started to assign kids that number.”

Nolan wore the number 27 in 1985 and 1986, when he was known for his ability to be a big hitter from the defensive back position.  But according to Nolan, the tradition is not about recognizing the best player on the team, but rather the player who embodies the hardworking, physical style that epitomizes Mount Carmel football.

Many players have worn the number 27 since 1986, but when Nolan was asked to name the greatest, he was quick to insist that he not be included. However, his list includes current Mount Carmel president Fr. Tony Mazurkiewicz, who wore #27 in 1990 and 1991 and described it as “a very humbling opportunity. I knew the tradition and the type of players that came before me.”

To Fr. Tony, the prerequisites for being awarded #27 are simple. “If a player asks to wear the number, he is asking the wrong question. This player should be asking how he can help the team, and if #27 comes along with it, then you take the responsibility.”

The roster of players to wear #27 includes Eddie Stewart, a captain on the 1989 state championship team, who considered it “an honor and continuous motivation,” but one that included some challenges.

“The biggest challenge probably came from within – just knowing the people who wore the number before, and not wanting to be the guy to break the tradition or not live up to the standard.”

Stewart took the values that he learned playing for the Caravan to the University of Nebraska where he also served as a team captain. Stewart is now the Assistant Commissioner for Football and Student Services for the Big 12 Conference.

In addition to Stewart, Nolan rattled off names such as Marty Quinn, Mike Pippen, Mike Doyle, and Jimmy Smith to round out his list of great players to wear #27.

Quinn, who wore the number in 1999 and 2000, also chose #27 when he played football for four years at Lake Forest College. He now is the head coach of Ave Maria University in Florida, where he continues the tradition. “I make sure our #27 is a player who can do the number proud.”

Among others who have worn the number was 2010 graduate Lavell Southern. Southern recently passed away at the young age of 23, and according to Nolan, “wore the number 27 with pride. He was a hardworking kid that put the team first.”

This year, the famed  #27 was given to a sophomore on the varsity team, Alek Thomas.   Despite the tradition and his young age, Thomas doesn’t feel any pressure. “I use the number as motivation to go hard on every down, just as the guys who wore the number before me did.”

(Editor’s note:  an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Dominic Villa was the last to wear #27.  In fact, Daniel Sanchez ’15 – a recipient of last year’s “Order of the C” award,” was the last Mount Carmel student-athlete to have the honor of wearing this storied uniform number. The Caravan regrets the error.)