Catholic Central honored one of the most historic families in Shamrock football history during Friday night’s home football game, September 11, 2026, publicly recognizing the legacy of the Groth family and the retirement of Jersey No. 27.

Members of the Groth family gathered before the game for a group photo and returned to the field at halftime for a special ceremony honoring four brothers who helped build the foundation of CC football: Harry ’38, Tony ’41, Tom ’43, and Ray ’52.

All four Groth brothers earned All-City and All-State football honors and wore Jersey No. 27 during their Catholic Central careers.

Harry ’38 led the nation in scoring during his Catholic Central career and helped lead the Shamrocks to consecutive undefeated seasons. In 1937, he scored 29 touchdowns.

Tony ’41 is remembered for his 85-yard touchdown run in Catholic Central’s 19-13 victory over heavily favored Hamtramck High School in the inaugural Goodfellow Game before 30,000 fans at Briggs Stadium.

Tom ’43 led the Shamrocks to an undefeated season in 1942 and Catholic Central’s first football state championship. Ray ’52 famously scored on an 80-yard touchdown run with 54 seconds remaining to give CC a 28-27 victory over Midland in 1950.

Ray tragically died in an automobile accident in April 1951. Following his death, he was named the recipient of the Fr. James Whelan, CSB Award, becoming the only junior to receive the prestigious honor.

In the fall of 1952, legendary Catholic Central Athletic Director Fr. Gerard French, CSB announced that Jersey No. 27, worn by all four Groth brothers, would be retired and never worn again, except by future members of the Groth family. According to the halftime ceremony, no other number in Catholic Central Athletics history has received this distinction.

During Friday night’s halftime ceremony, special signage recognizing the retired number was unveiled on the inside facade of the ticket booth building, and the Groth family was presented with a replica Jersey No. 27.

Family members in attendance included Harry’s son, Harry ’67; Tony’s daughter, Sharon; Tom’s grandson, David ’01; and Tom’s great-grandson, Luke ’30.