Bridgewater State University Football: A Legacy of Gridiron Excellence
Bridgewater State University's football program boasts a rich history marked by dedication, success, and the enduring impact of key figures. From its humble beginnings in 1960 to its current standing in the NCAA Division III, the Bridgewater State Bears have consistently demonstrated a commitment to athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
The Genesis of a Program (1960s)
The seeds of Bridgewater State football were sown in the fall of 1959 when The Boston Globe announced plans to establish a gridiron team at Bridgewater Teachers College. The program officially began in 1960 under the guidance of Coach Edward Swenson. Oral history interviews with early players, including Paul Callahan, David Fee, David Morwick, and Jim Tartari, reveal the dedication and excitement surrounding the team's formation. These players reminisce about their fellow athletes, specific games, training experiences, and the enthusiastic reception from the Bridgewater campus community. Betty Sawin Callahan also shared her memories during the Oral History Interview. The cheerleading squad also played a role in the early days.
Bill Clifford, Mike Hughes, Jim Tartari, and Charlie Worden also shared their experiences as football players in those years, reminiscing about many of their fellow athletes, specific games played, their training and practice experiences, and the reception of the Bridgewater campus community to the football program. The growing awareness of the Vietnam War and social movements of the time also impacted the students.
Coach Swenson laid the foundation for the program. He was succeeded by Peter Mazzaferro in 1968, marking the beginning of a new era for Bridgewater State football.
Peter Mazzaferro: A Coaching Legend
Peter Mazzaferro's name is synonymous with Bridgewater State football. Arriving as an assistant coach in 1966 after meeting Head Coach Edward Swenson, Mazzaferro took the helm in 1968 and transformed the program into a consistent winner. Over his remarkable 36-year tenure (1968-2004), Mazzaferro amassed a 195-137-7 record, becoming the most successful head coach in Bridgewater State history.
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His accomplishments include:
- 2 NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances
- 8 NEFC League Championships
- 3 MASCAC Championships
- 2 ECAC Postseason appearances
Mazzaferro's impact extended beyond the football field. As a physical education professor, he shaped the lives of countless students, instilling in them the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. He fostered a culture where athletes' love for the game took precedence.
In 2023, Bridgewater State dedicated its football field to Peter Mazzaferro, a fitting tribute to his lasting legacy. Located on the east side of campus near the Tinsley Center, Mazzaferro Field is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a turf field and 1,600-seat bleachers. It hosts football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse games.
Conference Affiliations and Successes
Bridgewater State has been a member of several conferences throughout its football history. From 1965 to 2012, the Bears were founding members of the New England Football Conference (NEFC). In 2013, they joined the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), which began sponsoring football for the first time.
The MASCAC football conference consists of nine schools: Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Westfield State University, Worcester State University, Plymouth State University, UMass-Dartmouth, and Western Connecticut State University.
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Bridgewater State claims 7 division titles, the most recent of which came in 2008.
Recent Highlights
In recent years, the Bridgewater State football team has continued to achieve success. In 2012, under head coach Chuck Denune, the Bears finished the regular season with a 9-1 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III National Tournament for the third time in program history. While they lost in the first round to Widener University, the team's 9-2 overall record and second-place finish in the NEFC standings demonstrated their continued competitiveness. Bridgewater State also hosted the 2011 ECAC Northeast Bowl, competing against Alfred University.
The MASCAC Era (2013-Present)
Since joining the MASCAC in 2013, Bridgewater State has continued to be a strong contender in the conference. The Bears have captured multiple MASCAC Championships, solidifying their position as one of the top football programs in the region.
Read also: Legacy of Bridgewater State University
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