Franco Harris visits NA's Ingomar Middle School to celebrate 50th anniversary of Immaculate Reception

Editor’s note: This story, which will appear in the Dec. 22 edition of the North Allegheny Journal, was printed on Dec. 15 and does not reflect the passing of Franco Harris on Dec. 21. Ingomar Middle School Principal David Deramo said of Harris following his sudden death: “His dedication to serving the greater good within the community as well as his significant impact on the City of Pittsburgh will continue to live on through our students and all who have had the privilege to know him. Franco’s positive spirit and contributions to Steelers Nation will be a legacy that lives on forever! We extend our deepest condolences to the Harris family, especially to his wife, Dana.”

Steelers great Franco Harris shared some of his unforgettable moments about his famed Immaculate Reception during a surprise visit to students at North Allegheny’s Ingomar Middle School on Dec. 12.

Dec. 23 marks 50 years since Harris made what many call the most famous play in all of football — the Immaculate Reception — to secure a 13-7 win against the Oakland Raiders during an AFC playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium.

Franco said the Steelers were considered at the time the worst team in the NFL. But the Immaculate Reception shows anything possible.

“You can change things. You can make things happen. Don’t worry about your past. See what you can do in your future,” Harris said.

Before Harris made his appearance, IMS Principal David Deramo, who helped coordinate Harris’ visit with teacher Emily Onorato, discussed Pittsburgh in the 1970s and the impact sports had on it; having a good work ethic and pride in the city.

“It’s about being from Pittsburgh,” Deramo said. “Continue that sense of pride that was instilled in us and we want to instill it in you.”

Harris said that growing up his favorite sport actually was baseball, and second came basketball. It wasn’t until high school that he discovered his penchant for football. He told IMS students to try different things, not to just settle on one sport or activity. If he only played baseball, he may not have become a football player.

“You may find that your true talent is somewhere else. Don’t limit yourself,” Harris said.

Harris was drafted in 1972 by the Pittsburgh Steelers after graduating from Penn State.

Franco encouraged students to take care of their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The football great also told them to do their best no matter what.

“There’s so much to do and so much that needs to be done. You never give up. You always have hope,” Harris said.