A 130-Year-Old Tradition
When Head Football Coach Mike Cerasuolo ’93 is recruiting players he likes to tell them, “This isn’t a four-year commitment. It’s a lifelong commitment.”
Ask alumni about the football program and you’ll hear words like “tradition,” “brotherhood,” and “give back.” For them, you never stop being a part of Springfield College football.
Cerasuolo sees it every day when alumni come back to the games, reach out with job opportunities and internships, and support the program.
Alumni like Dick Whiting ’66, CAS’68, a member of the undefeated and untied 1965 football team, have been there along the way, helping to fund locker room renovations, upgrade outdated technology, and support other projects. As the program is celebrating its 130th year, Whiting is helping to support a new initiative.
“Being a part of the program and being the anniversary this year, it’s always important to make contributions. The program has a variety of needs and, as alumni, it’s important to give back,” said Whiting.
Whiting is giving back by supporting the 130th Anniversary of Football Fund, which will help recruit new players and keep the program competitive. Due to the nature of the schedule, there is more out-of-region travel and the fund will allow the team to face the best competition. It will also be used to upgrade facilities, provide new alternate uniforms, and purchase remote filming equipment.
“It’s going to keep us where we need to be, not just competitiveness, but winning on and off the field. I think that when kids realize that people care about the program, it shows that aspect of Springfield College, that selfless type of mindset that we give back in any way we can,” said Cerasuolo.
Kevin Cahill ’01, G’04, is giving because he wants to elevate the program so that it’s stronger than it’s ever been.
“Springfield College football did a lot for me during my time as a student and the brotherhood has done so much for me since graduating. I want to make sure that others have a great experience throughout their career,” he said.
In addition to supporting the fund, numerous alumni participated in a day-long event celebrating 130 years of football at Springfield College on Oct. 30. If you would like to support the 130 Years of Football Fund, you may give online at springfield.edu/gift or by contacting the Office of Development staff at (413) 748-3124.
