Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, Albright College football, also referred to as the Albright Lions, has witnessed a long history of competitive spirit, historical achievements, and a strong bond with its neighborhood. The Lions are members of the NCAA Division III in the Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC) and can be regarded as the center of college football in Pennsylvania.
A Proud Football Identity
- Nickname & Mascot: The team is nicknamed the Lions, and its mascot is a lion, which they are proud of.
- Home Field: The team shares the classic Gene L. Shirk Stadium, a turf-based field constructed in 1925, which has an occupancy of about 5,000.
- Conference: The Lions play in the NCAA Division III in the Middle Atlantic Conferences, Region I.
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A Glimpse at 2024: Modern Season Snapshot
The 2024 season was a mixed campaign for Albright, showcasing resilience amid tough matchups.
2024 Schedule Highlights:
- Opening Win: Albright kicked off the season with a 17–6 victory over Gallaudet at home.
- Mid‑Season Challenges: The Lions struggled through the middle, dropping games to FDU‑Florham (7–35), Widener (0–21), Eastern (20–41), and Misericordia (10–13).
- Heavy Defeats: Road losses came against Stevenson (3–48) and Delaware Valley (0–28).
- Highlight Victory: In a thrilling OT win, Albright beat cross-town rival Alvernia, 22–19.
- Season Closing: The team closed on tougher notes, falling to King’s (6–41) and Lebanon Valley (0–27).
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Legacy Moments: Historic Highs of Albright Football
Albright’s history is dotted with unforgettable seasons and impactful figures:
1960: A Perfect Season
In 1952, under the master leadership of its all-time head coach John Potsklan, the Lions had the first undefeated season ever in the school in terms of the overall record and the conference record, 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the MAC. The club ended up sharing the Northern College Division title. Their goal was to surpass their opponents 261-108.
Gary Chapman, a quarterback, and Tom Olivo, a halfback, were also worthy of note as they gained 1,092 yards passing and 542 yards rushing, respectively, and along with Mike Matto, who gained 418 yards rushing. Claude Lynch also had a good performance in receiving, as he completed 248 receiving yards.
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Building on Success: 1961
None of the above was improved the following year as Albright again went on a 7-win-with-a-loss-and-a-draw winning streak (4 in conference). Coach Potsklan had a second-place team in the MAC Northern College Division, and it led the league in offensive and defensive play.
With quarterback Gary Chapman, the division MVP, leading the way, and several other first-team all-stars, the team outscored its foes 264 to 68. Steve Simon, Doug Deicke, and Chapman received statewide recognition.
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Coaching Glory: John Potsklan’s Legacy
Head coach John Anthony Potsklan Jr. (19551984) amassed a 1441225 football record at Albright. He won seven MAC Northern Division titles (1959, 1960, 1968, 1972, 197571977), and he was named coach-of-the-year several times.
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Alumni of Note: From College to the Pro Level
Albright has produced several notable football alumni who made their mark beyond college:
- Homer “Knuckles” Boyle played tackle for Albright before joining the New York Giants, eventually becoming an NFL champion in 1934.
- John Joseph Durko, a standout at Albright, went on to play in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Cardinals in the mid-1940s.
- Haps Benfer, a star fullback at Albright in 1914, earned first‑team All‑American honors and was later named the college’s “Athlete of the Century.”
The 2024 Coaching Staff & Current Leaders
The current staff blends new leadership with strategic expertise:
- Head Coach: Isaac Collins, who also coaches linebackers and coordinates special teams.
- Offensive Coordinator: Tom Pajic (wide receivers coach)
- Defensive Coordinator: Mark Fetterman (defensive line coach)
- Notable Assistants include quarterbacks coach Danny Collins, safeties coach Antwan Rogers Jr., and cornerbacks coach Johnny Foley.
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Rivalries & Opponents: MAC Matchups and Beyond
Albright regularly competes against conference rivals and regional foes:
- Alvernia: Played 4 times since 2021, with a 2–2 record, average score 21–22.
- FDU‑Florham: 15 matchups since 2009, winning at a 60% clip (average score 37–22).
- Delaware Valley: 14 games since 2009, with just 2 wins (14.3% win rate).
- King’s, Misericordia, Salisbury: Regular conference battles keep fans engaged season after season.
Why Albright Football Still Matters
Tradition & History
From perfect seasons in the 1960s to producing NFL talents, Albright Football stands as a testament to enduring collegiate pride.
Community & Identity
Hosting games at Shirk Stadium, the team remains a staple in Reading’s sports life, using football as a bridge between campus and the wider community.
Resilience & Growth
Despite recent difficult seasons, the Lions continue pushing forward—evident in their overtime win versus Alvernia, a highlight in 2024.
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Final Thoughts
Albright Football represents far more than wins and losses. It’s about tradition, evolution, and community spirit. Through legendary coaches like John Potsklan, perfect seasons of the past, and athletes who rose to professional ranks, the Lions have built a football heritage that continues to resonate. With steadfast fans, a historic home stadium, and a team that embodies persistence, Albright Football continues roaring strong.
