Joe Heap was a member of the football team from 1947 to 1950. He earned four varsity letters in football and three in track while attending Holy Cross. During his three seasons as a starter, Heap scored 55 touchdowns and helped the Tigers win the 1950 Prep League Championship. After graduating from Holy Cross, he headed to South Bend, Indiana where he started at halfback for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He played for the Irish from 1952 to 1954. Demonstrating his dedication off the field, he was named an Academic All-American three times – the only Notre Dame football player to be named that many times. He holds the record for receiving yards by a halfback, with 1,137 for his career. In the 1955 NFL Draft, the Giants selected Heap with the eighth overall pick in the first round. After playing for the Giants, Heap joined the U.S. Air Force for three years of service, ultimately becoming a Lieutenant Colonel. In 2008, he was named to the Sugar Bowl/Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.

HOLY CROSS ACCOLADES
• Catholic All-American, All-Southern, All-State, All-Prep 
• Co-Captain of the 1950 Prep League Champions