The ’69-’74 Tigers were coached by Paul Restivo. It was his idea to have a reunion of these six teams. A planning committee was organized in the spring of 2010. The committee, which also included several Tiger wives, set the date for the gathering and made all of the necessary arrangements. Letters were sent to all of the ’69-’74 coaches, players, students managers, etc., outlining the plans.

The unofficial kickoff for the weekend began at Teddy’s Sports Bar & Grill in Herrin on the afternoon of Oct. 15, 2010. That evening, the ’69-’74 Tigers were special guests at the Tiger game against Benton. After the game, the festivities continued at Herrin Elks Lodge.

The main event of the weekend was a Saturday evening banquet at Herrin Knights of Columbus Hall. One of the goals that evening was to raise money to help the family of a teammate, who had suffered a severe stroke. The wives had secured a number of items to be auctioned. Also, there was a 50/50 drawing, along with a silent auction of Tiger memorabilia.

The money raised that evening was matched by a generous teammate. Along with that donation was a note suggesting that the ’69-’74 Tigers consider making the fundraising an ongoing effort. Since then, the ’69-’74 Tigers filed papers with the federal government to become a 501 C3 tax-exempt, nonprofit, charitable organization; elected officers and created a board of directors; adopted a mission statement; established by-laws; conducted a golf outing and fundraiser in June of 2011; and met monthly.

As a result of Herrin Tiger Football Alumni Association’s fundraising efforts, the organization has donated more than $8,000 to families of teammates in need; set up four $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to graduating Herrin High School students this spring; and donated $2,000 to Herrin Food Pantry.