Stagg Memorial Dedicated

More than 100 individuals gathered at the field entrance to Nicholas A. Lopardo Stadium on September 9, 2006, for the dedication and unveiling of a memorial sculpture paying tribute to college football coaches Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr., and Jr.

The striking sculpture of Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr. (left) and Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. (right) was created by Dick Bonham, and made possible by a gift from Lou Santangelo ’50 and his wife, Ashie.

The memorial, sculpted by E. Richard Bonham of Lewisburg, Pa., depicts the father-son duo during their time as Crusader football co-coaches from 1947 to 1952. The highlight of that tenure was the 1951 season, in which the team enjoyed the first undefeated, untied season in program history with a perfect 6-0 record.

Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr. coached at Susquehanna from 1935 until 1954. In addition to the undefeated 1951 season, his 1940 squad was unbeaten with a 7-0-1 record. After stepping down as head coach in 1954, Stagg continued to serve as director of athletics and professor of physical education until 1961.

Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr., nicknamed “The Grand Old Man of Football,” was a pioneer of the sport. His contributions became such integral components of the modern game that Knute Rockne once said, “All football comes from Stagg.” When he retired in 1960 at the age of 98, he had coached for 70 years and held the all-time coaching record for football victories at 314 until 1981.

Many in attendance on September 9 enjoyed a special tribute dinner the preceding day, honoring the Staggs and their players. Highlights of an emotional evening included remarks from: Matt Banker, NCAA representative; Wayne Hardin, a player under Stagg Sr. at the College of the Pacific, and former head coach of the Navy and Temple football programs; Scott Eccker, grandson of Stagg Jr.; and former head football coaches Jim Hazlett ’52 and Jim Garrett and current coach Steve Briggs. Bob Pittello ’51, in addition to sharing his own remembrances, facilitated an open-microphone period in which a number of football alumni shared their memories of the Staggs. For many, the most moving portion of the program was the viewing of “In Words and Pictures,” a video presentation created by Whitney Gay ’71 that incorporated video, audio and stills of the Staggs.

The memorial was funded by Stagg player, and member of the SU Sports Hall of Fame and Top 100 football team Lou Santangelo ’50 and his wife, Ashie. Serving on the Stagg Memorial Committee with Santangelo were: Whitney Gay ’71, chair; Bob Pittello ’51, vice chair; Head Coach Steve Briggs; Jim Campbell ’63; Buss Carr ’52; Vice President for University Relations Ron Cohen; Director Emeritus of Athletics and Physical Education Don Harnum; Director of Facilities Management Dave Henry; Director of Athletics Pam Samuelson; and Rich Young ’54.

Gathered around the memorial are Susquehanna alumni who played for the Staggs: the duo co-coached the Crusader football program from 1947 to 1952.

Shaping the Game of Football: The Contributions of Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. • Tackling Dummy • Football Sled • Fake Kick • Statue of Liberty Play • Huddle • Lateral Pass • Onside Kick • Reverse