GridIron Group—A Bridge Uniting the Past, Present, and Future

The GridIron Group, an assembling of ex-players, parents, and fans of Lions football, is open to all who support the College’s football program. Learn more.

Words by Mark Gola

If you ask members of the GridIron Group what Saturday’s homecoming event is about, they will tell you it’s about the 2009 football players. It’s a day particularly for seniors such as Erick Hendrickson, Marc Zucconi, and Justin Beres to embrace and enjoy. Much like it was a special day for Bill Curry ’84, Joe Clifton ’88, and Greg Bellotti ’92 when they wore the pads decorated in blue and gold.

While the focus and attention revolves around the current Lions football team (as it should), in some ways those players are enduring the initiation phase critical to gaining membership to a larger family. After four years of practices in full pads, competing with teammates for playing time, and creating memories that accompany the thrill of college football, they will graduate to a life that unveils a greater purpose to the Lions football experience.

Those values learned and life-lessons absorbed are often a conversation topic of the GridIron Group. Formed in 1993 by former players and current Head Coach Eric Hamilton ’75, the GridIron Group is an assembling of ex-players, parents, and fans of Lions football who support The College of New Jersey Football program.

“The goal was to bring together football alumni, friends of Lions football, and the parents of existing or past players to build a stronger alliance and have a sense of organization to the group,” said Scott Allen, who was a defensive tackle for TSC and a member of Hamilton’s first squad in 1977 and later received his TCNJ degree in 2007. “This gives everyone involved an opportunity to discuss the game, future games, and catch up on what is going on in their day to day lives. Coach Hamilton and TSC/TCNJ football have always been family-oriented.”

Nothing brings people and (notably) football enthusiasts together like a pre- and post-game tailgate with a healthy spread of food surrounded by individuals fighting for time to regale their stories of yesteryear. Today, hamburgers and hot dogs are cooked up for those visiting prior to the game, but the post-game pig roast has evolved into the main course of this annual Homecoming tradition. In addition to fans, players, and coaches are treated to pulled-pork sandwiches from the roaster along with burgers, dogs, and other barbecue side dishes. The meal is capped by desserts prepared by the parents of Lions’ players.

“This environment brings players from all eras together to socialize and catch up regarding their present lives and also enables us to reminisce about times gone by,” Allen noted.

The GridIron Group is by no means a one-dimensional offense. In addition to tailgate parties, it also hosts an annual golf outing in August, and on Sunday, January 31, 2010, the group will hold its 16th annual post-season awards brunch, which will honor the 2009 team and recognize football alums. The group’s adage, “The strength of the Pride is in the Lion, The strength of the Lion is in the Pride,” embodies the spirit of the group’s purpose and is spearheaded by its commander in chief.

“Football has been a part of the College for over 100 years, and varsity intercollegiate athletics for 85 years,” said Hamilton, who as a center was the first football player ever at the College to be selected to a first team All-American squad. “There have been many exceptional individuals who have played for TSTC/TSC/TCNJ who realize it is about the team, not any one individual. The GridIron Group was created by former players who wanted to give back to the game and program that had such an impact on their professional and personal lives. Their only mission is to make sure the guys coming through now have the same experience and gain the same value in understanding the significance of playing football. Giving back isn’t only about money. It’s about time and respectful care for the players.”

When a collection of ex-players and parents unite, it’s safe to assume the rhetoric reaches optimum levels. While stories of past heroics may be slightly embellished and the recollections become more selective each year, the cups and bellies are full and the trips down memory lane provide a mini-vacation from the daily grind.

Whether it’s a Homecoming event or an away game, according to Allen, the sights and sounds of a TCNJ football game can be both inspirational and therapeutic. “No matter how long ago you played at [the College], watching a game can allow you to recall the excitement you may have experienced in the past.”

To learn more information about the GridIron Group, contact the Office of Development. The group is open to all those who share an interest in TCNJ football, which includes former players, coaches, parents, and friends of Lions Football. One-hundred percent of the contributions made to group (which should be made out to “TCNJ Foundation” and reference the GridIron Group) are dedicated to the football program.