Student radio documentary examines history of Profs football

Two Rowan University students have produced an hour-long documentary that profiles the 60-year history of Rowan's football program.

Titled "From First Snap to Stagg: The History of Rowan University Football," the documentary will air on Friday, Dec.14, at 5 p.m. on Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM.

The documentary was completed by Rowan radio/television/film students Joe Staudenmayer and Jim Vassallo, who work on the executive staff at the radio station. Staudenmayer, a senior from Pennsauken, is operations manager at WGLS-FM. Vassallo, a junior from Marlton, is sports director.

The documentary begins with a discussion of the original 1947 Glassboro State College football team and includes interviews with Dave Rosen, Harry Beaudet and Bill Kushner, all players from that era.

Interviews with all five living head coaches-Jay Accorsi, K.C. Keeler, John Bunting, Ted Kershner, and Richard Wackar-are included in the documentary, as is commentary from Rowan athletic director Joy Solomen, a Rowan alumna in her 21st year leading the University's athletics program.

The segment includes interviews with former players, as well as former WGLS-FM sports directors Jeff Hickman, Jason Weber, John Sadak and Derek Jones.

"Stagg" in the documentary's title refers to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the Division III national championship tournament. Rowan has played in the Stagg Bowl five times in the past 14 years.

"From First Snap to Stagg" was produced for "Advanced Radio Broadcasting," a course taught by WGLS-FM General Manager Frank Hogan.