Football to Battle Columbia for Liberty Cup on Saturday Night

Sept. 18, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham University football squad will open its 2009 home schedule on Saturday night as the Rams host the Columbia Lions in the annual Liberty Cup battle on Jack Coffey Field at 6:00 PM.

Fordham students, with a valid ID, are invited to a special pregame tent that will feature free food samples, courtesy of Applebees on Fordham Road. The tent will be located across from the front of the Rose Hill Gym and will be open from 5:30 until 6:00 PM.

As two of the three NCAA Division I institutions in New York City to sponsor football, Fordham University and Columbia University decided in 2002, when their scheduled game was postponed by the attacks of Sept. 11th, to compete for a special trophy in their annual game. Thus was born the Liberty Cup.

"This is a very special game for us," said Fordham head coach Tom Masella, who served with the FDNY after graduating from college and before turning to a full-time coaching career. "The spirit of the Liberty Cup and what it stands for help us to realize how fortunate we are. We're excited to be involved in such a meaningful cause."

The idea behind the Liberty Cup is to honor the alumni of both schools who were lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001. The World Trade Center attacks claimed the lives of 43 Columbia alumni and 35 Fordham alumni including two former Fordham football players, Nick Brandemarti, FCO '00 and Kevin Szocik, FCO '97.

The Cup also honors others who lost their lives on September 11th, including members of the various city and state agencies (FDNY, NYPD, EMS, Port Authority, etc.). Each school has created a scholarship fund with the host school donating the proceeds of the game to their respective fund.

This year's event will feature unprecedented support from members of New York City's first responders community and 9/11 charities. Honor guard units from the NYPD, FDNY and PAPD will conduct a pre-game ceremony.

Members of the Finest NYPD Football Team and the Bravest FDNY Football Team will host a pre-game tailgate and participate in a youth football clinic. "It is an honor to be part of an event that honors heroes that have passed and rescue workers who survived. We live the American Dream without fear," said Pete Moog director football operations NYPD Football Team. The clinic, organized by A.I.M. Academics in Motion will bring 500 at- risk New York City high school students to Coffey Field for the day. Students will be taught football basics, then discuss life skills and the importance of staying in school. Coach Tom Masella, head coach of the Fordham Rams will make a special appearance. "Since Coach Masella has been at Fordham, he has been very supportive of A.I.M. Academics In Motion and of any program that supports youth in New York City. The student-athletes involved with A.I.M. are excited about the opportunity to visit the Fordham campus. With Coach Masella creating this opportunity for us, we will be able to give our students a meaningful experience right in their own backyard," said Jim Presbrey COO of A.I.M.

As a show of support for the Liberty Cup, service organization H.E.A.R.T. 9/11 will be arranging the attendance of New York City based 9/11 charities. Representatives from the September 11 National Memorial & Museum, Project Rebirth, September 11 Families Association and Tribute WTC Visitor Center will be attending the game and will be recognized for their efforts during halftime. "We proudly celebrate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and our American spirit by supporting the Liberty Cup football game between these two exceptional New York City educational institutions," said Bill Keegan president of H.E.A.R.T. 9/11. "This contest is a symbol of our strength and resiliency as a city."

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