Approximately 300 guests attended the Oct. 15 dedication of Alexander-McKeever Field located on the site of the former Mt. Carmel High School in South Los Angeles.The field today is part of the Mount Carmel Recreation Center at 70th and Hoover Streets. Emcee Mark Mariscal, L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks’ Pacific Region superintendent, said it was an easy decision to allow the field to be named in honor of the three former Mt. Carmel teammates: Kermit Alexander ’59 and Mike & Marlin McKeever ’57, who became All-Americans at UCLA and USC, respectively. Alexander and Marlin McKeever enjoyed stellar NFL careers, including stints with the L.A. Rams.Department officials said the three men would serve as “perpetual positive role models” for young athletes in the old neighborhood, demonstrating that all “can achieve great things with hard work and a good education.”The day’s activities began with a 9 a.m. Mass at adjacent St. Raphael Church. The main celebrant was Carmelite Father Gus Carter ’41, a former principal at Mt. Carmel and Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino. Concelebrants included Carmelite Fathers Msgr. Al Koppes and Father Tracy O’Sullivan (St. Raphael pastor), Jesuit Father William Muller (president of Verbum Dei High School) and Carmelite Father Paul Henson (current Crespi principal).Several members of the Mount Carmel Glee Club --- who had not sung together in nearly 50 years --- reunited to sing during Mass, with Lance Williams (’65) directing.Bernard Parks, L.A. City Council member and a St. John Vianney High School graduate, talked about the positive impact Catholic school graduates from inner-city Catholic schools have had on the growth and development of the City of Los Angeles.---John Martin
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