Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Jim Hart to serve as Grand Marshall for Homecoming
09/30/2010 | 12:00:00 | Football
Sept. 30, 2010
By Jason Clay
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Saluki Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Hart is returning to Carbondale to serve as the Grand Marshall at Southern Illinois University's 2010 Homecoming Parade.
Hart, who enjoyed a 14-year NFL career after playing for the Salukis from 1963-65, will serve as Saluki Stadium's first Grand Marshall when SIU hosts Northern Iowa for Homecoming on Oct. 9, 2010. Kickoff for the game is at 2 p.m.
"It is only fitting that we have arguably the greatest football player in Saluki history to serve as Grand Marshall in the inaugural season of Saluki Stadium," SIU Director of Athletics Mario Moccia said. "Jim served this institution admirably as first a student-athlete and then as Director of Athletics while enjoying a phenomenal professional career in the middle. I was so happy that he accepted our invitation to serve in this capacity."
Hart compiled an enviable record as a professional football player and as a community leader.
He signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals and during his 12 years as their quarterback, Hart established an all-time team passing record and played in four Pro Bowl games.
After being selected as the most valuable player on the football Cardinals by his teammates in 1973 and 1975, he was also selected as the Most Valuable Player in the National Football League in 1975.
Perhaps topping that honor was reception of the National Byron "Whizzer" White Award in 1976, for his outstanding leadership and service to community programs in St. Louis.
As an undergraduate at SIU, he was selected by his teammates as captain in 1964 and most valuable player in 1963 and established school records for passing.
Hart was inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1978.
