A History of Saint Francis University Football

The Saint Francis Red Flash football program represents the intercollegiate team of Saint Francis University (SFU). Steeped in tradition and evolving through different eras, the Red Flash have become an integral part of the university's athletic identity.

Early Years and the Rise of the "Red Flash" Nickname

The school's first football team was fielded in 1892, marking the beginning of a long and storied athletic tradition. Saint Francis’ athletics tradition dates back to 1867 when a group of students formed a team called the Independent Star-Athletic Association. The team played its first game under the Saint Francis banner in 1888.

The "Red Flash" nickname dates back to 1927, when the school boasted one of the fastest football ground attacks in the east, headed by quarterback George Kunzler, captain and right halfback Ed McLister, fullback Alphonse Abels and left halfback Ralph Bruno. The nickname quickly spread, first to the football team and later that same season to the basketball team.

The "Frankies" and "Gigity" Eras

The most popular unofficial nickname also evolved from the Franciscan theme, with its origins dating back to the 1930s. The nickname "Frankies" can be traced as far back as the 1938-39 basketball season, when the name first appeared in The Loretto and the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. The rise of this nickname can be closely tied to the University's Mr.

The "Gigity" nickname gained widespread use by fans and the then-college but was discontinued after the 1971-72 season, giving way to the current "Red Flash" moniker.

DeGol Field: Home of the Red Flash

The team plays its home games at the 3,500-seat DeGol Field. This stadium has been the site of countless memorable moments in the program's history, providing a venue for the Red Flash to showcase their talent and compete against their rivals.

FCS Playoffs Appearances

The Red Flash have appeared in the FCS Playoffs two times, marking significant achievements in the program's pursuit of national recognition. These appearances represent the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence on the part of the players and coaching staff.

Notable Players

Several Saint Francis players have gone on to professional careers in the National Football League (NFL), including:

John Naioti (1921-1990) played in the NFL 1942 and 1945.
Ed Stofko (1920-1988) played in the NFL 1945-1945.

Transition to NCAA Division III

Through the 2025 season, the team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Northeast Conference. In 2026-2027, we begin an exciting new chapter as an NCAA Division III member in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). This transition marks a new chapter for the program, offering new opportunities and challenges as they compete in a different athletic landscape.

Saint Francis University: A Legacy of Franciscan Values

About Saint Francis UniversitySaint Francis University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country, and the oldest celebrating Franciscan values. You're in Red Flash Territory! Up here, we study hard and we play hard. Our athletes are known for academic excellence as well as sportsmanship - GO RED FLASH! Catholic Franciscan CharacterSaint Francis University is founded and animated by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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Founding and Leadership

University HistoryIt all started with six friars from Ireland. Founding FriarsBrother Giles Carroll along with five of his friar brothers of the Franciscans of the Third Order Regular from the Archdiocese of Tuam in Ireland requested permission from the bishop of the Pittsburgh diocese to bring their dream, rooted in sharing the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, to fruition in the Americas. Saint Francis Academy was the early result of their efforts.

Leadership Today Today Saint Francis University remains sponsored by the Franciscans of the Third Order Regular and the university's president is always a member of the order. Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R.

Expansion and Growth

Saint Francis is founded (as Saint Francis Normal School) by the Sisters of St. Saint Francis’ education program receives accreditation from the state of Indiana. Enrollment opens to laywomen. All households in the region receive a letter from Sister M. The College is formally dedicated on October 1, with Bishop John F. The first Fort Wayne Commencement is held in June. Sister M. Bonzel and Bonaventure Halls opens. The first group of graduate students earn their master’s degrees. The college hosts its first athletics-related Homecoming event. Achatz Hall of Science opens with an observatory, greenhouse, planetarium, and more. Sister M. The men’s golf team wins the college’s first NAIA championship title. Saint Francis reaches its 100-year milestone. Sister M. Coach Kevin Donley is named the inaugural Saint Francis football coach. Professor Sufi Ahmad sculpts the St. The college acquires the Lutheran College of Health Professions.

Recent Developments

2005: Classes in Crown Point begin at St. The Cougars men’s basketball team wins the NAIA Division II national championship, beating Walsh 67-66. The Saint Francis Performing Arts Center opens in the Scottish Rite Center, which also houses the Music Technology and Media Entrepreneurship Training in the Arts (META) programs. The Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership opens in the restored Chamber of Commerce building. St. Elizabeth School of Nursing (Lafayette, Ind.) officials sign an education partnership agreement with Saint Francis. With the agreement, graduates receive a diploma in nursing from the St. The new St. Achatz Hall of Science and Research Center is expanded and renovated and is later renamed Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center. Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, retires as president after 27 years. After a sabbatical, she returns to campus and assumes the role of director of community engagement. Rev. Dr. Saint Francis celebrates the opening of a $7 million expansion at its Crown Point site, doubling the size of the facility. Dr. Lance Richey becomes interim president in May upon the departure of Rev. Dr. Eric Albert Zimmer. Saint Francis opens and dedicates St. Michael Hall, located on the northwest side of campus. Dr. Lance Richey becomes the 11th president of the University of Saint Francis in a June inauguration. Saint Francis collaborates with Chuck and Lisa Surack and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the downtown site, with the Suracks taking ownership of the Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic taking ownership of the Saint Francis Business Center. Saint Francis’ Music Technology and Dance programs remain downtown. Saint Francis announces new mission statement: “The University of Saint Francis offers formation of the whole person by providing an encounter with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ so that God, who is Love, may be loved. The University of Saint Francis acquired Leffler Academy in Gas City, Indiana, after establishing a partnership in 2024. The acquisition enhances affordable healthcare pathways for students. Saint Francis also announced a new site in Lafayette, Indiana, in its original home. Saint Francis now operates Indiana sites in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis and Lafayette.

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