Editor’s Note: The Holland-Springfield-Spencer Historical Society president Karla Miller submitted this story about a recent museum acquisition.
The Football
A new artifact arrived at the museum on closing day, and I was not there to see it, so I missed this special event. Vicky Searcey, Springfield High School Class of 1969, was helping on a class reunion and decided to surprise me. Most area residents know
Most area residents know of Springfield High School’s famous graduate, Rick Upchurch, Class of 1971, who went on to become a wide receiver for the NFL’s Denver Broncos.
He attended Dorr Street Elementary School before arriving at Springfield High School in 1967, where he would begin his football career.
Outstanding during his high school days, he was a running back and wore a No. 40 jersey for SHS. While attending college, Mr. Upchurch was drafted by the Denver Broncos and played in the National Football League from 1975 to 1983.
In 1977, he helped lead the Broncos to their first ever Super Bowl. They lost Super Bowl XII to the Dallas Cowboys. He also played in Pro Bowl games from 1976-80 and 1982.
In 2000, Mr. Upchurch was named one of the 300 best NFL players of all times. Ms. Searcey made ar
Ms. Searcey made arrangements for him to autograph a special football for the Holland Springfield Spencer Historical Society museum while he was in town.
How appropriate that, Jim Guy, Class of 1954 Holland High School, a society member, museum guide and a former high school football player (1951-1954), was at the museum to accept the football. In 1952, the year Mr. Upchurch was born, Mr. Guy played football at Holland High.
The historical society treasures this football.
