90 Wide Mentoring: The 3rd Edition

Fellow Crusaders, 

The mission of the Holy Cross Gridiron Leadership Council is succinctly stated as "committed to excellence in helping Holy Cross Football win on and off the field". 

Our pursuit of excellence in winning off the field is embodied in a number of initiatives but none greater than our 90-Wide Mentoring Program. 

We launched this formal mentoring program in December 2009. With two years of mentoring and relationship development under our belt, our foundation has been well established. With this message linking to the "90-Wide: The 3rd Edition" we are now well positioned to elevate our efforts and further establish a "culture of winning off the field". I thank everybody on this distribution who is helping us make that happen so we can far exceed any preconceived notions within our mission. 

Let's dare to be truly great!!    

Tom Gilmore: FINALIST for Coach of the Year

Last week I asked for your assistance in voting for Tom Gilmore as Liberty Mutual's Coach of the Year. You answered the call. 

On behalf of all those who love Holy Cross and Holy Cross Football, I thank you. 

Just yesterday, Tom Gilmore was named a FINALIST for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year. 

What are those involved in this process saying about Coach Gilmore?, 

Giving Thanks

Fellow Crusaders, 

All too often our nation, our business, our markets, our politics, and so many aspects of our lives focus on the very short term. Even our sports tend to focus on the short term as well. How many times do we seem to focus on and debate the outcome of yesterday's game without appreciating the efforts, the commitment, and the teamwork that are required to generate even a modicum of success. Dare I say the pride and passion of tradition are embodied much more in the latter than the former. 

Don't get me wrong, victories are critically important. Why else do they keep score? 

That said, as we gather together to celebrate our traditional Thanksgiving feasts, is there any doubt that our real sense of gratitude lies not in outcomes but much more in the effort expended and the relationships developed along the way. 

In that spirit and with the Holy Cross Football team having just completed its seventh straight winning season, I think there would be many on this distribution who would join me in thanking:

The Credit Goes To.....

Fellow Crusaders, 

What a world. 

With our global markets and economy continuing on a daily roller-coaster and events in the world of college athletics getting roiled by the unfolding travesty and tragedy at Penn State, where can one turn to receive a dose of meaningful integrity and admiration these days? Well, in my opinion, I think we need not look any further than the 23 seniors at Holy Cross who will take Fitton Field for the final time this coming Saturday vs Lafayette. 

HCGLC Suggestion Box

Holy Cross Gridiron Leadership Council Mission: committed to excellence in helping the Holy Cross Crusaders win on and off the field. 

Fellow Crusaders, 

I hope this communication finds you and yours all doing well. As I write, our Crusaders are riding the crest of a two game winning streak and poised for a huge league matchup this Saturday at Fitton Field against the resurgent Georgetown Hoyas. With every game from here on in effectively a 'playoff' game let's give the men a huge home field advantage on Saturday at Fitton for Family Day. 

Please bring your pride, your passion, and your immediate and extended families to Fitton this Saturday. Give another Hoiah and a Chu Chu rah rah.....LET'S WIN!!   

Other notes of importance include: 

"I Hate Losing..."

Fellow Crusaders,

Who doesn't hate losing? But then who is willing to put in the requisite effort and has the ability to lead a team to success? 

There is a quote in a newspaper today which address losing. There is another quote highlighted just below and captured in an interview almost eight years ago which addresses effort. 

"We have to begin this process by outworking other people in all areas.  A great work ethic can solve a lot of problems, but we also have to improve on other fronts .......

"I believe that Holy Cross will climb back to the top of the Patriot League ........." 

Talk about keeping one's word. Tom Gilmore and our Crusaders have put in huge effort over the years. 

This year's contingent will look to rebound tomorrow at Fitton Field against the Big Green of Dartmouth on Kid's Day. Bring your own kids and all their buddies. 

What does Coach Gilmore have to say about tomorrow's game? From today's Worcester Telegram, 

"I hate losing, maybe more than anyone in the world..."     

HCGLC: Let's WIN!!

For those who care about Holy Cross Crusader Football, September 2011 was simply spectacular. 

1. Our Crusaders stand at 2-1 as the men get poised to take on the Top 10 ranked University of New Hampshire Wildcats this Saturday in Durham, NH. For those who have seen the team in person or via broadcast, the quality of play is outstanding. The exciting brand of football  may be only outmatched by the Purple Pride, effort, and determination displayed for 60 minutes of every game. Students of the game know a team is ultimately a reflection of its coaches. In that spirit, we can all look forward to more hard fought, well played, disciplined football atop Mt. St. James and wherever the Crusaders travel.Thank you Coach Gilmore and staff!! 

"Something Very Good Going On in Worcester"

Fellow Crusaders, 

Let's dispense with the formalities and get right down to business. 

1. Our men in purple delivered an exceptionally well oiled performance this past Saturday. Congratulations to Coach Gilmore, staff, and team!! In a game that finished in less than two and a half hours, the 'saders opened league play by beating Colgate 37-7. Well done, gentlemen!!

I am not so sure the game was as close as the score indicated  but for those in the stands it was pure delight and very well balanced in every regard.  

2.  There is clearly something very good going on in Worcester atop Mt. St. James . Get involved and bring friends, family, neighbors et al to Fitton Field for a great Purple brand of college football.

No Bad Press and Onward to Victory!!

Yes, for those in the public eye, like Holy Cross Football, there truly is no bad press.

On that note, I am happy to provide links from other sites talking about Crusader Football and the HCGLC. Additionally the Crusaders have a HUGE Patriot League game this coming Saturday. Let's make sure the team once again feels the support of everybody in Crusader Nation.

See you at Fitton on Saturday.

Let's Win!!

LD '83

1. A website covering BC Football entitled BC Interruption writes Observations from Thursday's UMass-Holy Cross Football Game,

September 2, 2011: The Mission Continues...Dr. Joe Ciccone '97 Writes of Purple Pride

In the midst of speaking with some people yesterday, I referenced the fact that while some may have viewed  yesterday's activities and assorted events on Fitton Field and atop Mt. St. James as a mere football game combined with a nice ceremony, for those of us who "believe" we know it was something far bigger than that. 


Yesterday was not a culmination of efforts which generated a sparkling production. Yesterday was a point in time celebration and highlighting of who we are in the context of an ongoing and continued pursuit of our mission. 

Countdown to Kickoff: 5 Days ...The Legend of Bruce Kozerski and Much More...

Game week...

For those in the track of this witch Irene, please be safe and sound so we can see you this coming Thursday when we make history. 

Let's get after it. 

1. Thank you to everybody who has been involved in generating enthusiasm and excitement for our upcoming "event". The names are too countless for me to mention individually but the Purple Pride has been fabulous and unlike anything seen in a long time. Well done. 

Countdown to Kickoff: 10 Days...The Legend of Jon Morris

Does time fly or what? I believe I first communicated in mid to late June about the historic event that will take place upon Mt. St. James on September 1st. We are now ten short days away from this momentous occasion which will bring together so many members of the Purple faithful. 

The outpouring of pride and passion surrounding this event has been spectacular. I thank every single individual who in their own way has played a part in assuring that this event will be an enormous success. On that note, let's dispense with further formalities, and bring you up to date on developments: 

1. Ring of Honor

I have received word that Steve Osmanski, grandson of Bullet Bill '39, will be with us on the 1st to represent his grandfather. How great is this!! 

Countdown to Kickoff: 19 Days...UNITING CRUSADER NATION

With less than three weeks to the kickoff to the 2011 Crusader Football season, to say that there is a LOT going on would be an enormous understatement. 

For those on this distribution not yet aware, numerous forecasters and prognosticators around the nation have projected that given a wide array of signals they project an EXPLOSIVE Purple Tsunami on Mt St. James in the late afternoon and throughout the night on September 1st. 

The forecasted projections indicate that this explosive Purple Wave emanating on Fitton Field will literally and figuratively roll throughout New England and to many parts of the nation. Ride the wave and join us on the 1st. 

I hope as many people as possible on this distribution will join us for what will assuredly be the biggest event at Fitton Field in a very long time. Bring your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. 

Let's dispense with the formalities and get right after it.

HCGLC Uniting Crusader Nation Challenge

As part of the ongoing initiative to support the college and the Holy Cross Football Program the Holy Cross Gridiron Leadership Council in conjunction with the Alumni Relations Office is launching the following challenge.

No do not worry, this challenge will only require you to reach into your pocket to buy the next round of drinks. How so? 

Countdown to Kickoff: 27 Days....Major Props!!

We are less than one month out from kickoff to the 2011 Holy Cross Football season and its opening up under the lights" vs UMass. Here is your Crusader Football Fix!!


With our Crusaders now in camp, let's ratchet up our focus in spreading the word and the enthusiasm to Fill Fitton Field!!


I. Gameday Details for All Holy Cross Football Alums and Friends

Countdown to Kickoff: 40 Days...2010 Building the Brand/Ring of Honor MUST SEE Video

Time flies. We are a mere 40 days away from making history when the 2011 Crusader Football team takes the field 'under the lights' vs the University of Massachusetts. 

Many people remain busy with preparations for the day and the induction of the second class of Crusader Legends into the Holy Cross Ring of Honor. Details of the game day festivities will be released within the next few weeks. 

To capture a sense of the awesome spirit embodied in the Ring of Honor program, I am happy to share a video clip captured and produced by the HCGLC of last year's Ring of Honor reception and ceremony. I firmly believe that anybody with an ounce of Purple blood will want to watch this video.  

Countdown to Kickoff: 48 Days...The Legend of George Connor

The Legend of George Connor 

NOVEMBER 28, 1942--A football game that every Holy Cross football fan should never forget. 

This game between the storied Jesuit rivals, the pagans (haha) from Boston College and the loyal sons from Holy Cross, was played at Fenway Park. While Fenway may now be home to Red Sox Nation, on this blustery day back in 1942 it was filled with college football fans from all over New England and far beyond that as well. The estimated attendance was 40,000 but as the years went by you would have thought every citizen in Worcester County witnessed "the greatest football game ever played." 

Countdown to Kickoff: 57 Days...Update and Story on Crusader Legend Jon Morris '64

With the Countdown to Kickoff a mere 57 days away.....

1. Ticket sales for the opening game "under the lights" remain at a very brisk pace. Thank you to those who have already purchased. If you have not done so yet, make sure you get on the horn first thing tomorrow at (508) 793-2573 and buy those tix...!! 

2. Alums and groups of alums will be coming in from far and wide including: California, Wyoming, Arizona, Chicago (a good sized contingent), Ohio, Missouri, Delaware, DC, PA, Jersey, New York, South Carolina, and points all over New England.(this is what I know of ...I am sure plenty more are coming from other points). Let us know if you are coming and from where by signing the Guest Book at the Fill Fitton Field site highlighted below. 

Countdown to Kickoff: 63 Days...Rodney Deleaver '74 Writes of Joe Wilson '73

A little bit of a Friday Crusader 'fix'.....

Linda George in the Holy Cross Ticket Office has informed me that the 'phones are ringing off the hook' with people from both near and far purchasing tickets for the "event" on September 1st when our Crusaders take on UMass under the lights. 

Call 508-793-2573 and get involved so we can make sure we Fill Fitton Field. Spread the word. 

Holy Cross Football Tickets Now On Sale 

Our fellow 'sader from the Class of 1974, Rodney Deleaver, takes a walk down memory lane and writes with passion about his teammate Joe Wilson. 

Countdown to Kickoff.....70 DAYS!!

FILL FITTON FIELD!!!  

Let's Fill Fitton Field for the Holy Cross-UMass Game on 9/1 "Under the Lights"!!!  

Tickets Go On Sale June 29th.....Call (508) 293-2573, or go online at www.goholycross.com/tickets

Buy Your Tickets Early as Assigned Seating is a Certainty!!


Group Discounts Available along with Discount Hotel and Game Ticket Packages (check with the ticket agent)

Can't Be There In Person, Join Us In 'Spirit' by Donating Ticket(s) to Local Schools (ask ticket agent to set tickets aside)

Holy Cross Greats George Connor, Jon Morris '64, Joe Wilson '73, and Bruce Kozerski '84 Will Be Inducted into Ring of Honor Prior to Game...

"Please Spread the Word and Share This With Anybody and Everybody, Including Classmates, Teammates, Local Civic Groups, Clubs, Schools...."

Help us 'make history' on September 1. 

Visit www.fillfittonfield.com (thank you Brendan Devlin '01) 

Purple Pride!! Let's WIN!!

LD '83

Fill Fitton Field - September 1, 2011 vs. UMass

I hope this message finds all the supporters of the Holy Cross Football program doing well. While we wish Coach Gilmore, staff, and team the best both on and off the field as they are now actively engaged in spring practice, I want to take this opportunity to keep all of you up to date on developments in and around the HCGLC and our mission of being "committed to excellence in helping Holy Cross Football win on and off the field." 

There are a lot of very good things happening so I will dispense with the formalities and dive right into the mix.

1.Spring Football Game on Saturday April 16th. 

Major high five to Dan Adams '07 for his tireless efforts in rallying the troops for the upcoming Alumni football game as part of the spring football game on Saturday April 16th. Dan's enthusiasm and leadership are infectious and deeply appreciated by yours truly and all members of the HCGLC. Please make every effort to get back to campus to take in the spring game, catch up with friends, and get a sneak peek at the 2011 Crusader gridiron contingent. If you want to play, Dan can be reached at either:  daniel.adams@sunlife.com, usafootball43@gmail.com,  

Following the game, the cookout is always a great take. For those mentoring a current Crusader, this day presents a fabulous opportunity to catch up with your student-athlete and further build a rapport and relationship which will change lives on both ends. OurHCGLC 90-Wide Mentoring Program now encompasses 120 alums. GREAT JOB, gentlemen!! 

During the cookout, the HCGLC will once again present the Jackie Mo' Lifetime Achievement Award. This year the HCGLC is extremely pleased to present this award posthumously to the man, the myth, the legend, the one and only former trainer for HC Athletics Jack "Skitchie" Scott. In short, as some have said, we may not have been blessed with Jackie Mo's presence atop Mt. St. James if Skitchie were not there first. Embrace the tradition!!  

Post cookout festivities will take place as well. Will confirm and make sure the name of the fine local watering hole is properly disseminated. We can toast Jack and Jackie more than once.  

2. Holy Cross Football Annual Golf Outing 

SAVE the DATE

Friday, June 3rd
Blackstone National Golf Club
Sutton, MA 

Shotgun start in the AM (Believe it is 9am) followed by lunch and awards. Will confirm the time and make sure more details are sent out in the coming weeks. This Friday June 3rd is the beginning of Reunion weekend. For those in reunion years, come back early and get your weekend started on the right note.  

$250 per person includes range, golf, cart, lunch, and the company of a hundred plus of your closest friends. $200 per person for those out in the last 10 years.    

To save headaches the day of the outing, I believe it is best that we make this a pay in advance. I will check with the person who really runs HC Football, that being LuAnn Hennessy, and let you know how this will work. For now, BLOCK THAT DATE and get your boys and girls rounded up for a day of fun both on the links and at the 19th hole.  

3. NIGHT FOOTBALL COMING to FITTON FIELD http://www.goholycross.com/sports/m-footbl/2010-11/releases/20110325cr05x1 

Major kudos to Athletic Director Dick Regan and the HC administration for making this a reality. 

>SAVE the DATE

>Thursday evening (pre-Labor Day weekend) September 1st. 

>Your Holy Cross Crusaders will take Fitton Field under the lights against the UMass Minutemen. 

>Scheduled for a 7pm kickoff.    

>The HCGLC in conjunction with the Athletic Department is targeting this evening to have the second induction of honorees to the Building the Brand/Ring of Fame at Fitton Field. A reception beforehand will be held to properly honor this year's inductees. The online voting at www.goholycross.com for this year's honorees is scheduled to launch in mid-to late April with the honorees announced by mid-May. 

Let's set the scene: as the sun is setting on Fitton Field on Thursday evening September 1, let's presume that Jon Morris is strutting to mid-field to see his name unveiled on the back wall of the visitor's side of Fitton Field with the home side Holy Cross faithful going wild, an overflow contingent of HC's Worcester subway alums rallying another hoiah and a chu chu rah rah, and the legendary UMass band being drowned out as 22k plus fans make history. 

Can you say Field of Dreams? THIS IS OUR HOUSE!!!  

Major high five to Brendan Devlin for already purchasing the domain name www.fillfittonfield.com. We will look for major support from everybody to make this event one to remember. 

Hope to see many of you on April 16th. Please spread the word on all these fronts to all your friends, family, and colleagues. Thanks again to Coach Gilmore for his inspiration and passion which inspire us all.  

LET'S WIN!!!   

Larry Doyle '83

Chair, Holy Cross Gridiron Leadership Council

HCGLC Mission: Committed to excellence in helping Holy Cross Football win on and off the field.