Joe Heap, the Holy Cross High School and Notre Dame football standout whose prep touchdown record stood for almost three decades, died Wednesday. He was 79.
After graduating from Holy Cross High School in the Ninth Ward, Heap went on to a successful collegiate career at South Bend, where he was named Academic All-American three times while playing for the University of Notre Dame. Heap also played for the New York Giants.
According to the Sugar Bowl committee, which inducted Heap into its New Orleans Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008, Heap excelled in both football and track and field at Holy Cross, receiving four letters for his gridiron career and more as a sprinter on the track team.
In his freshman year, he was also a backup to local football great Hank Lauricella, according to the Hall of Fame.
During his junior and senior seasons, Heap led Holy Cross to the Prep League football championships. His 1949 Tiger team was state runner-up to Byrd High of Shreveport.
Heap ended his high school career with 55 touchdowns, a record that stood for nearly three decades. The Tigers had a record of 27 wins, four losses and a tie during his three seasons as a starting back.
His career at Notre Dame was marked with even more accolades. According to the Sugar Bowl committee, Fighting Irish Coach Frank Leahy said of Heap that he could "run, pass, kick, receive passes and run back kickoffs better than anyone I've ever coached."
Heap is survived by his wife, six children, 12 grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Heap ended his high school career with 55 touchdowns, a record that stood for nearly three decades. The Tigers had a record of 27 wins, four losses and a tie during his three seasons as a starting back.
His career at Notre Dame was marked with even more accolades. According to the Sugar Bowl committee, Fighting Irish Coach Frank Leahy said of Heap that he could "run, pass, kick, receive passes and run back kickoffs better than anyone I've ever coached."
Heap is survived by his wife, six children, 12 grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A funeral Mass will follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Abbey, 75376 River Road, Covington.
His family said Heap’s wishes were for memorial contributions to be made to Holy Cross High School.
