Detroit Catholic Central retired Jersey No. 27 during a halftime ceremony Friday, Sept. 11, honoring the Groth family in the only such distinction in program history.

The ceremony recognized four brothers who wore the number across nearly two decades of Shamrock football: Harry Groth, Class of 1938; Tony Groth, Class of 1941; Tom Groth, Class of 1943; and Ray Groth, Class of 1952. All four earned All-City and All-State honors.

The number was first retired in the fall of 1952 by Athletic Director Fr. Gerard French, who announced No. 27 would never be worn again except by future Groth family members, according to the school. No other number in any CC sport has received that distinction.

The halftime ceremony added new signage on the inside facade of the ticket booth building and presented the family with a replica No. 27 jersey. Family members gathered on the field before the game for a group photo and returned at halftime for the recognition.

Harry Groth led the nation in scoring during his CC career and scored 29 touchdowns in 1937, helping the Shamrocks to consecutive undefeated seasons.

Tony Groth scored on an 85-yard touchdown run in Catholic Central's 19-13 upset of Hamtramck High School in the inaugural Goodfellow Game at Briggs Stadium, played before 30,000 fans. Tom Groth led CC to an undefeated 1942 season and the program's first state football championship.

Ray Groth scored on an 80-yard touchdown run with 54 seconds left to give CC a 28-27 win over Midland in 1950. He died in an automobile accident in April 1951. After his death, he became the only junior to receive the Fr. James Whelan, CSB Award.

Three generations of the family attended the Sept. 11 ceremony: Harry's son, Harry Groth, Class of 1967; Tony's daughter, Sharon; Tom's grandson, David Groth, Class of 2001; and Tom's great-grandson, Luke Groth, Class of 2030.

Catholic Central, ranked No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports Super 15 Midwest regional rankings, beat Windsor Holy Names 56-14 on the same night. The Shamrocks are a 16-time state championship program.