Pictures of Canadian College Students Go Berserk over Football Win in 1954

Sixty years ago, LIFE magazine tapped into the joys and tortures of football fandom by traveling north of the American border, where collegians in Ontario were positively freaking out over a rare win on the gridiron.

Gail Thorson soars off the street as she leads victory procession through Kingston.

Parody pugilist performs during the Queen's half-time sketches.

Queen's University (Ontario) cheerleaders at football game, 1954.

Queen's University (Ontario) cheerleaders at football game, 1954.

Head cheerleader Al Hart and his kilted helpers look on in amazement after Queen's gain.

Cheerleaders at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Band members at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Sandy Dyer hugs Bill Wallace as half ends with Queen's ahead.

Band members at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Fans at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Scene at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Band members at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Band members at Canadian college football game, 1954.

Walter Sokoluk waves his baritone horn with joy as Queen's scores again.

Climbing atop the goal posts after a Canadian college football game, 1954.

Celebrants after Queen's University (Ontario) football team's victory, 1954.

(Photos by Lisa Larsen—LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)