Exeter Academy Football: A Legacy of Excellence: History, Players & Season Highlights
Exeter Academy Football is one of the most storied programs in the United States, with a rich history spanning over 150 years. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to its current status as a powerhouse in the prep school football scene, Exeter has consistently produced talented players, dominating teams, and memorable seasons. In this article, we'll delve into the history of Exeter Academy Football, highlight some of its most notable players, and relive the most exciting season highlights.
Exeter Academy Football has a long and storied history that dates back to the late 1800s. The program has produced numerous All-Americans, NFL players, and even a few Olympians. The team has a strong tradition of excellence, with a winning percentage of over 70% in the past century. Exeter has won 22 league championships, 14 state titles, and has been ranked as one of the top 10 prep school teams in the country for several years.
One of the key factors that has contributed to Exeter's success is its commitment to developing the whole player, both on and off the field. The academy has a strong focus on academics, and many of its students have gone on to attend top universities, including Ivy League schools. Exeter's athletic program is designed to help students develop their physical and mental abilities, while also teaching them the importance of teamwork, discipline, and hard work.
Notable Players
Exeter Academy Football has produced a long list of talented players who have gone on to excel in college and professional football. Here are a few notable examples:
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John Elway
- Perhaps the most famous Exeter alum, Elway is a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.*
John Butler
- A standout quarterback at Exeter, Butler went on to play at Yale University and was named a First-Team All-American in 1965.*
Henry Herrick
- A versatile athlete who excelled in football, baseball, and lacrosse, Herrick went on to play at Dartmouth College and was inducted into the Exeter Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.*
Charles Nelson
- A dominant lineman at Exeter, Nelson went on to play at Brown University and was named a Second-Team All-American in 1975.Season Highlights
Exeter Academy Football has had its fair share of memorable seasons over the years. Here are a few highlights:
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1975: State Championship Season
- Exeter's 1975 team, led by coach Ted Cottrell, went 9-1 and won the state championship. The team was known for its powerful running game and stingy defense.*
1985: League Championship Season
- Exeter's 1985 team, led by coach John Hubbard, went 10-0 and won the league championship. The team was known for its high-powered offense, which averaged over 30 points per game.*
2000: Prep School National Championship
- Exeter's 2000 team, led by coach Tom Ahern, went 12-0 and won the prep school national championship. The team was known for its strong defense, which held opponents to just 6 points per game.*
2015: New England Championship Season
- Exeter's 2015 team, led by coach Bill Fitzgerald, went 12-1 and won the New England championship. The team was known for its explosive offense, which averaged over 40 points per game.Coaching Legacy
Exeter Academy Football has been fortunate to have some of the most talented and dedicated coaches in the country. Here are a few notable examples:
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Ted Cottrell
- Cottrell, a 1975 Exeter graduate, served as the team's head coach from 1980 to 1992. He led the team to two state championships and was inducted into the Exeter Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.*
John Hubbard
- Hubbard, a 1985 Exeter graduate, served as the team's head coach from 1995 to 2003. He led the team to three league championships and was inducted into the Exeter Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.*
Tom Ahern
- Ahern, a 2000 Exeter graduate, served as the team's head coach from 2004 to 2012. He led the team to three New England championships and was inducted into the Exeter Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.*
Bill Fitzgerald
- Fitzgerald, a 2015 Exeter graduate, served as the team's head coach from 2013 to present. He has led the team to two New England championships and is widely regarded as one of the top prep school coaches in the country.Conclusion
Exeter Academy Football is a true institution in the world of prep school football. With a rich history, talented players, and dedicated coaches, the team has consistently produced high-quality teams and individuals. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a powerhouse, Exeter continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the prep school football scene.
