EDINBORO, Pa. – Over 100 Edinboro football alumni contributed to the project, cementing the Fighting Scots legacy for years to come.
The effort was spearheaded by second-year head coach Jake Nulph and his tenacious staff, as well as Mike and Mac Kegarise who organized the fundraising effort.
In an address to student athletes Sunday, Mike relayed as much citing his own memories in the locker room as a driving factor.
"The experience we had here at Edinboro I can't express into words. The biggest thing we had was a brotherhood, we all came together and part of that was our locker room. It was our second home."
"The closer you are as a team, the harder it is to lose."
-Mike Kegarise, Edinboro Hall of Fame ('06)
In all, the 50+ thousand-dollar locker room project was 100 percent funded by football alumni who have dawned tartan for 'The Boro.'
Director of Athletics, Dr. Katherine Robbins was on hand to offer remarks to the student athletes, coaching staff and alumni who assembled.
"I'm humbled, I'm honored, I'm in awe of what happened here, this transformation- as I'm sure you returners are as well. I've got to thank Mike and Mac Kegarise. You (players) need to thank these guys as well. They got the ball rolling."
-Dr. Katherine Robbins, Director of Athletics
Nulph knew he had the players to win when he arrived in January 2020 and took the job, but he remains adamant that student athletes deserve improved facilities such as this.
"It was our mission to put together a locker room that (players), the alumni, the administration and Edinboro University can be proud of."
"Ultimately, games are won and lost in that room."
-Jake Nulph, head coach
For returners to the Fighting Scots and newcomers alike, the commitment was respected and appreciated.
"I've been here a long time, this will be my fifth year here and this is like a complete 180 from what we had. This place is phenomenal. Coach Nulph told me when I came back, he said 'give me a year and there will be a lot of changes,' and boy, he was right. This place is awesome. I want to thank everybody who helped contribute to this especially the coaches and alumni, they did fantastic."
-Ryan Pasternak, offensive lineman
"I'm excited for this season, it is going to be a huge upgrade. Everybody is bought in. We've got this new great facility going on, we're just ready to go. Summer camp is here, it is time to go rock and roll and compete for that championship.
-Derian Smith, defensive end
"I just want to thank the alumni and everything like that, first of all because it is a beautiful locker room. Coming in as a transfer student, I appreciate this program for giving me an opportunity, I couldn't ask for anything better. The tradition here is hard-working."
-Aulden Knight, defensive back
The Fighting Scots are set to kick off their season with a Thursday September 2 trip to Grand Valley State University.
The first home game of the season on Edinboro's schedule is September 11 hosting Shippensburg University.
