Hartford, Conn. - The Trinity College football classes of 1987 and 1994, both coached by the legendary Don Miller, have been special in more ways than one. On the field, the Bantams rose to as high as No. 1 in New England, dumped 48 points on Amherst in their final home game, and gave Miller his 100th career win at the helm in 1986. In 1993, Trinity football was perfect with an 8-0 record, crushed Wesleyan, 32-8 in the final game, and closed the year as the top team in New England.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Class of '86 and the Undefeated 1993 Trinity team for helping us with our new stadium project," said Trinity Head Football Coach Jeff Devanney '93. I have known these groups personally for so many years and it will be great to see their names listed inside our new alumni rooms overlooking Jessee/Miller Field."

Both the Class of 1987 and the Class of 1994 have been greatly involved in the college since long after their undergraduate and playing days. With the need for new seating and a new press box at Jessee/Miller Field, both classes took it upon themselves to help Trinity upgrade its athletic facilities to a level that matches the excellence both displayed on the gridiron and in their professional lives over the last 30-plus years. In all, the two classes raised $500,000 for two new suites in the stadium.

"Every member of the team, freshman through senior, gave their all in the fall of 1993, culminating in the first undefeated season since 1955 (and the great Coach Don Miller's first ever)," said Joe Halstead '94. Taking the spirit of teamwork, determination, and resiliency from that experience was the perfect match with Trinity's outstanding academics to provide a deep well of inspiration over the years since, including in making a small contribution toward stadium improvements. Wishing the 2021 football team, and every current and future Bantam playing all sports only success and joy!"

"Being part of the Trinity football program provided invaluable friendships, memories and camaraderie that lasts a lifetime, added Dave Cosgrove '94. "To include with all of that the experience of being a member of an undefeated NESCAC championship team has made all of those memories and friendships that much more special. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Coach Don Miller for his leadership, commitment and sage guidance on football, education and life. I am very proud that we are able to honor him and thank him today."

The Trinity Football Class of 1987, led by Kevin Smith '87, a former trustee and President of the National Alumni Association and current Athletics Campaign Committee member, has helped tremendously to fundraise for the improvements to the stadium.  The Class of 1987 was very close during its days at Trinity and it has continued over the past 30 years. The 1986 football season was a special one that included amny seniors battling back from significant injuries that they sustained earlier in their careers. Some were asked to change positions for the better of the team. The Class of 1987 was a team comprised of distinct personalities.  But the one similarity was the leadership traits evident in each teammate. The team always came first.  Other alums who played a major role in this effort include current Trustees Bill Cunningham '87 and Bryant Zanko '87, also an Executive Committee Member for the Board of Fellows, John Montgomery '87, and Dan Tighe '87.

"As a number of us were tailgating during the 2019 football season, we made a decision to pool our donations and give back to a program that had given so much to us," said Smith. "It was important to the Class of 1987 that a stadium be created where current and future players could continue to achieve football excellence while creating lifelong memories."

The Class of 1994, pulled together gifts to fund a press box suite named in honor of the 1993 Undefeated Bantam Football Team. This effort, spearheaded by Cosgrove, Halstead, Eric Mudry '94, Josh Newsome '95, P'22, Mike Poremba '97, Marty Tighe '95 and many others raised money to name the suite "1993 Undefeated Team Room", and honors Coach Miller and all the members of the team.

"Going undefeated is a unique experience that keeps us connected to each other, Trinity and Coach Miller," said Mudry. "I think this is a great way to honor our experience while ensuring more undefeated seasons in the future for Bantam Football. In my opinion, the completion of the stadium by the fall will also galvanize school spirit for students and alumni, which is especially important as we move forward from the pandemic."

The 1993 Bantams finished their flawless season in front of over 9,000 fans. Assuring that this exciting environment will continue to flourish on Saturdays at Jessee/Miller Field for years to come is surely the best way these classes can give back to the program they love.