On August 19, 2025, the Marist campus buzzed with the return of former football standouts who came back to share their journeys with the current roster. The gathering, dubbed Red Fox Reach Out, featured nearly two dozen alumni who engaged in a scrimmage at Tenney Stadium before moving to the Marist Steel Plant for a more intimate networking session.
Guidance on and off the Field
Alyssa Gates, Marist Director of Student‑Athlete Enhancement, praised the alumni mentorship program for its role in shaping well‑rounded athletes. "Seeing our graduates step back onto the field and into the community reminds our students that success extends beyond the scoreboard," she said.
Head coach Mike Willis greeted the alumni with a warm welcome, emphasizing that the program’s value lies in developing champions both on and off the field. He highlighted how the former players’ insights help current athletes navigate the transition to life after college football.
A Glimpse at the 2026 Schedule
The Foxes will open their 2026 season on August 28 with a road game at New Haven, Connecticut, kicking off at 6 p.m. The first of six home contests follows on September 4 against Franklin Pierce, scheduled for a 7 p.m. start. These early matchups set the tone for a season that promises both competitive play and continued community engagement.
Among the alumni who took part were Masin Cobb, a graduate student and former offensive lineman, alongside a roster of notable former players such as Joe Candarelli, Steve Carretta, Shawn Casadiego, Hunter Cobb, Kees Coughlin, Terrence Fede, Tyler Gagnon, Adam Gibbons, Paul Kratochvil, Atiq Lucas, Jesse Mainiero, Nick Mainiero, Rocco Manfre, Andrew McElroy, Dazhon Miller, Randy Paul, Joseph Petro, Paul Sakowski, Jamal Valentin, Neil Walsh, Jeff Woodring and Teddy Wright. Their presence underscored a strong alumni network that continues to support the program’s growth.
The event not only provided current student‑athletes with valuable mentorship but also reinforced Marist’s commitment to fostering connections that extend beyond the stadium. As the Foxes prepare for their upcoming battles, the blend of on‑field preparation and off‑field guidance aims to produce a season defined by both athletic ambition and personal development.