by Shawn Nowlin
The standard at Roanoke College (RC) is high, both in the classroom and field of competition. These days, there’s a different kind of energy throughout the campus.
For the first time since 1942, RC Football is returning to the gridiron. Considered a club sport this year, in 2025, the program will join the NCAA D-III level and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
RC’s five-game schedule will be against Hampton-Sydney College (Salem, Sept. 8), Shenandoah University (Winchester, Sept. 22), Bridgewater College (Bridgewater, Oct. 6), Fork Union Military Academy (Salem, Oct. 20) and George Mason (Salem, Nov. 3).
“Over the academic year, I have had many individual conversations with students, faculty and staff about the addition of a football team and associated programs,” RC President Frank Shushok Jr. previously said in a press release.
“Cultivating a successful football program, along with a marching band and competitive cheer, can breathe life into a college campus, bringing together our faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community in a unified spirit of passion and pride,” he added.
Players comprising the 60-man roster come from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Benjamin Holliday (defensive line, Glenvar High), Nathan Johnson (defensive line, Glenvar High), Aiden Wolk (tight end, Glenvar High), Tyler Pierce (kicker, Glenvar High), Marquay Cook (linebacker, Patrick Henry), Aiden Cloud (offensive line, Patrick Henry), Khamari Garner (wide receiver, Salem High), Chase Ferris (wide receiver, Salem High), Gabriel Shaffer (linebacker, Smith Mountain Lake Christian) and Lane Shoemaker (linebacker, William Byrd) are all local products.
Mike Giancola and Mitch Ferric were hired as the defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator, respectively. Filling out Head Coach Bryan Stinespring’s staff are recruiting coordinator Tony Spradlin, special teams coach Gerard Johnson and safeties coach Darren Venable.
“We had to go back and just follow the ‘WIN’ philosophy. That means ‘What’s Important Now,’” Stinespring stated in a press release. “We had to design the uniforms, we had to get the right sizes to match the numbers, the helmets, how do we want them? So, we were able to do that and we got ahead of the curve. Practice equipment is here and so that’s been really good to see.”
Carlos Anderson is looking forward to attending as many RC Football games that as he can this year with family and friends. “This moment has been a long time coming. When the Maroons take the field against Hampton-Sydney, I will be in attendance,” he said. “The expectations for the season will be high, but I want people to not set the bar to unrealistic levels.”
Fans of the football program can be seen around town wearing RC apparel and having bumper stickers on their car. “There are several players that I am excited to see play, especially on defense. My prediction is that the team only loses one game this year,” Richard Collins said.
With the football addition, RC now sponsors 17 sports. For more information, visit roanokemaroons.com.
Roanoke College Head Football Coach
