ANNVILLE, PA - "We looked at football when I first became the AD nine years ago," admits Dave Martin. "We investigated football and knew that it wasn't the right time." The Misericordia University athletics program is arguably one of the strongest programs in the Freedom and Middle Atlantic Conferences. So why would a program so strong already think about adding football in 2012? Leaders on campus reveal that the addition has only enhanced the school.

Under the leadership of Misericordia President MacDowell and Board of Trustees Chair John Metz, the University has seen growth in endowment and enrollment, with community support and it only made sense to add another varsity program.

President MacDowell reported, "This is an investment. [...] We needed to add to the facilities and football gave us an excuse [to do so]." In less than two years, Misericordia has put together $20 millioin of construction, including the Metz Field House, a new Tambur baseball field, renovated McGeehan turf field (field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse), Mangelsdorf field (football), and updated bleacher system with press box.

Head Football Coach Mark Ross understands this inaugural season may not show success in the win column, but acknowledges that football does more than feed competitive hunger. "We want to develop and put things in place to help these kids succeed to the best of their ability, get on the right track, and hopefully flourish for the rest of their life," said Ross. "From day one, we try to take pressure off the kids. When they go to the field, we just ask them to play as hard and fast as they can."

September 15 marked the first home football game in the program's inaugural season. The benefits for all students on campus, not just the football players, far outweighs an untarnished football record since 1924.

Misericordia 2012 Composite Schedule