1960 Team

Posted on: August 5, 2025 at 19:39:13 CT

A few weeks back I contacted Laird Veatch about recognizing the surviving members of the 1960 team at halftime of the KU-MU game. I applaud his receptive response. He put me in touch with the person coordinating game activities and she was equally receptive. My neighbor is a brother to Donnie Smith who I see often. Donnie was a star RB on the team and was drafted by the Giants playing with Frank Gifford.I assured them I would get Donnie to the game if they are able to recognize the team. Unfortunately, Donnies health isn't good and he won't be able to attend. I spoke to Brendan Steenbergen who authored a book that highlights the season, titled "Respectable Roughnecks." He indicated several have passed in the two years since the book was published. He fully supported the idea to honor surviving team members and agreed to provide his resources to contact the living. Hopefully there will be some to attend. The team lost one game to KU that was later forfeited due to playing an ineligible player. They beat Navy in the Orange bowl and -finished 5th in the nation with a perfect 12-0 season. Should have been national champs instead of Minnesota.I hate that Donnie can't attend since he was looking forward to the game.