海角社区

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — There is something about football, the sport that brings both athletes and the community together in stadiums of all shapes and sizes. By this time of the year, many of us dream about cooler temps, sweaters, and crisp apples. Yet football teams all over are donning their practice jerseys, cleats, and helmets and running drills repeatedly. Conditioning, memorizing strategies, scrimmages, and firming up tactics, the Cumberland Valley Eagles are preparing for their upcoming games.

Behind them, the Cumberland Valley Football Alumni Association (CVFAA) is also in full planning mode preparing for the many ways in which they can support the players and coaches, as well as celebrate the history of teams that have gone before them.

History

Founded in 1992, by Ken Sgignoli (鈥�58), and his old teammates, George Myers (鈥�58) and Ron Wentz (鈥�58), CVFAA first started with a social for football alumni after the homecoming game at CV. With the social well attended and full of ideas, soon, the committee of three grew in size. Five years later, the organization was officially a non-profit, complete with by-laws, and a governing Board of Directors. At that time, their purpose was 鈥渢o promote and support the Cumberland Valley Football Program by creating school spirit, involving alumni, and having a little fun along the way.鈥�

鈥淚 was on the first football team in 1954 for Cumberland Valley and I loved it. I started the organization because I thought that class reunions were fine but I wanted to get back with my teammates, especially those that were a year or two behind me. With that being said, the social was about getting our alumni to the games and having them support the current teams. Plus you know I’ve attended 85% of all football games from the beginning to the present. I wanted to find ways to support the team,鈥� reflects Founder, Ken Sgnignoli.

More than 30 years later, CVFAA, is bursting with committees and goals. 鈥淲e are excited for the upcoming 2023 football games and look forward to another successful season. Our association always enjoys tailgating time before each game. We also relish the opportunities to take 3 senior players out to dinner once a week. It鈥檚 a special time to get to know them one on one,鈥� Sgnignoli continues.

Goal

With generous donations from CV football alumni, players, coaches, corporate sponsors, and other individuals, as well as annual fundraisers, the association focuses on many activities, programs, and items for CV鈥檚 football program. Some materials they have been able to contribute include, weight room equipment, coach video equipment and communication system as well as helping to provide funds for the strength coach.

Yet connecting with the current team, past players, and CV families is likely the most vital part of the work CVFAA does. This is accomplished in various ways, starting with the most basic of football lore, tailgating. Pregame, the organization loves to welcome friends, with food and drinks, giving a location for previous players and families to catch up.

Then there is the highlight of CVFAA鈥檚 year, the Homecoming Social. This annual event begins during the halftime of the big game. On the 50-yard line, CVFAA inducts their next Hall of Famers, each receiving an engraved plaque. They also honor the team 50 years prior, celebrating the accomplishments of their time. Once the game is over, past and present players, coaches, and more gather together at The Caddy Shack, to celebrate. Food, drinks, speeches, and plenty of storytelling allow the football family to take a sweet walk down memory lane.

Continuing with the goal of reaching and supporting the CV football team and community, CVFAA鈥檚 most important ambition is to provide scholarships for outgoing senior players. Soliciting generous donations from several corporations, the organization then works with the coaches to determine who will receive the funds.

FUNdraising

CVFAA鈥檚 hospitality and kindness require a budget so they may keep finding ways to help both current and past CV Eagle football players. Keeping with the theme of athletics and fun, CVFAA has two main fundraising events. The 300 Club Raffle begins in the summer. It is an opportunity for those in the community to win up to $10,000. While, the Big Red Scramble is a springtime golf event that allows participants to enjoy sports, food, and entertainment. All proceeds from each event are used to help support the football teams.

Eagle Community

While the mission of CVFAA may be 鈥渢o support and promote the CV football program, to keep CV football alumni informed and involved, and to encourage alumni participation in CV football activities,鈥� what the organization is really doing is continuing the legacy of the Eagles. Football is all about teamwork, competition, fun, and hard work. The memories made within a team is hard to forget. The friendships and brotherhood formed are hard to break. CVFAA is helping to keep alumni and the Eagle football community connected both through relationships, fun events, and consistent giving.

Ken Sgninoli, concludes,鈥� You know, in one way it was a hobby of mine, to start and be involved with CVFAA. Even for the last 30 years, I still get excited each time football season comes around. It鈥檚 been a lot of fun watching the CV football players and it has been great to reminisce with Eagle alumni.鈥�

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.