WORCESTER, Mass. - Rev. Earle Markey, a former All-American basketball player at Holy Cross, was surrounded by friends and former teammates at Pepe's restaurant in Worcester to celebrate his 90th birthday. 

Markey, who graduated in 1953, he was credited by former teammates with building the foundation for the success of the Crusaders program in that era. 

Markey, who came to Holy Cross from New Jersey, was also credited with being the pied piper of sorts and the reason why other New Jersey kids followed him to Holy Cross. 

Guys like Togo Palazzi, Tommy Heinsohn and George Blaney all followed Markey up to Mount Saint James, and all helped Holy Cross reach incredible heights. 

Father Markey was a fourth-round draft pick of the Boston Celtics, but chose the priesthood instead and worked at Holy Cross for over 40 years. 

Kevin Shea was at the birthday party and caught up with Father Markey and some of his former teammates.