Hall of Fame
As the second team to be elected into the Hall of Fame at John Carroll – following the 1975 national champion wrestling team that was inducted in 2008 – the 1959 football team holds a special place in John Carroll athletic history.
Under the direction of first-year head coach John Ray, the Blue Streaks posted a record of 7-0 overall and 5-0 mark in the Presidents Athletic Conference, becoming the first undefeated football team in school history. The only points allowed by the Blue Streaks in conference play came off an interception return for a touchdown.
The 1959 season featured five shutouts, including a season opening 45-0 win over Bethany, a 40-0 Homecoming win over Wayne State, and a 20-0 victory over Washington & Jefferson on the final Saturday of the season that sealed the first undefeated season in JCU football history.
Perfection in a football season has only been achieved three times in JCU history. The 1959 team was the first to accomplish the feat, after which only the 1962 and 1963 teams were able to match the achievement. All three teams were headed up by coach John Ray.
Two players from that team earned small college Catholic All-American honors, and four were drafted to play professional football.
