10 years later: Reminiscing on the Hofstra football program

Ten years after the termination of Hofstra University’s football program, alumni have mixed feelings on the decision.

“I think it was a huge travesty,” said Michael Marsalis, a member of the graduating class of 1995. “That was the ‘out’ for [many people]: To be able to be a part of a football program and improve their lives on an athletic level but also to be exposed to a wonderful university like Hofstra.”

The Hofstra football team played in the NCAA Division I for 72 years between 1937 and 2009 until the University cut the program on Dec. 3, 2009. The team tallied an overall winning record of 403-268-11.

Over the years, the program sent 12 student-athletes to play in the NFL.

“I was not pleased [when they cut the team], especially since we actually had someone from my year go to the pros,” said Sherry McPherson-Berg, class of 1992, referencing Wayne Chrebet. Chrebet played for the New York Jets between 1995-2005. “I would have gone as an alumna to see him play.”

With much of social culture at universities revolving around football teams and gameday, alumni believe some Pride (or, before 2001, Flying Dutchmen) spirit has been lost since the cut.

“For me personally, being at Hofstra’s homecomings, being a part of football and the whole spectacle, I think that a lot of Hofstra spirit has definitely gone down since then,” Marsalis said.

While spirit might not be at an all-time high, some believe the pride has transferred over to other Hofstra teams, such as the historically successful lacrosse programs. The men’s and women’s lacrosse teams play in James M. Shuart Stadium, the old home of Hofstra football.

“There’s still a great deal of school spirit but of course there’s a piece that’s missing. Lacrosse might have picked up some of the lost spirit from the football team. But football was a big deal,” McPherson-Berg said.

Marsalis believes the lack of a team affects people’s decision to attend Hofstra.

“A lot of social culture revolves around athletic programs,” Marsalis said.

James Bauer, class of 1993, objected to the University’s decision at the time, but has accepted it based on the outcome.

“The school has thrived without it, so it didn’t really make a difference in the long run,” Bauer said.

The program’s funding was reallocated to various academic endeavors, including the founding of the Zucker School of Medicine.

“My understanding was that Hofstra was trying to get into a more competitive spirit in regards to academics like that of New York University (NYU) and Columbia,” Marsalis said. “But Columbia has a football team, so I don’t understand the reasoning behind that.”

Through it all, many remain hopeful that Hofstra football will one day return to campus.

“I hope it does. I hope it comes back because I’d love to come back for games if given the opportunity,” said Richard Nieves, who graduated in the class of 2014.