More Than a Game: Why the Spirit Trophy Foundation Matters to Me

There are moments in life that bring you full circle. Last Thursday night was one of them for me.

I had the honor of speaking at the kickoff event for the newly formed Spirit Trophy Foundation — an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating one of the most storied rivalries in New York State football history: Warwick vs. Goshen.

Since 1896, the Goshen Gladiators and the Warwick Wildcats have been meeting on the gridiron. This Saturday, they square off in the 130th Spirit Trophy game — the second longest-running football rivalry in New York State. Let that sink in. One hundred and thirty years of communities, families, coaches, and young men pouring their hearts into a single game.

I know something about that.

A Rivalry I Lived

I played quarterback for the Warwick Wildcats. And three times — my sophomore, junior, and senior years — I lined up against Goshen in the Spirit Trophy game. Three times, we came up short.

That sting never fully goes away. But here’s the thing: neither does the memory.

Those games were among the most intense, passionate, and meaningful of my entire football career. The kind of game where you feel the whole community in the stands. Where it’s not just about the score — it’s about something bigger.

On Thursday night I had a good laugh when Goshen High School Principal Nick Pantaleone — a 1995 Goshen graduate — who reminded me that he personally sacked me at the goal line to preserve a shutout. I’m still not over it. But I’ll give him credit — he’s been dining out on that story for 30 years and he tells it well. 😄

The People Who Made This Night Special

Joining me at the podium was a group of people who love this game as much as I do.

Greg Voloshin, Interim Athletic Director at Goshen and a fellow Warwick Valley High School graduate, helped organize the evening alongside me. Greg also played in the Spirit Trophy game, which made the night feel like a true reunion of people who understood exactly what this rivalry means from the inside.

Coach Greg Sirico — who has now been coaching for over 30 years — was also in the room. Coach Sirico was my offensive coordinator when I played at Warwick. Seeing him there was a reminder of how many lives these coaches quietly shape along the way.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler also spoke, bringing the weight and respect of his office to an event that deserved exactly that.

Why This Foundation Matters

The Spirit Trophy Foundation is just getting off the ground, and that’s precisely why I’m excited to be part of it. This isn’t just about preserving a football rivalry. It’s about honoring the brotherhood that forms between players — yes, even players from opposing teams — and the communities that show up for them year after year.

What struck me most Thursday night was the room itself. Players and coaches from both Warwick and Goshen sitting together, sharing stories, laughing, remembering. Former rivals. Lifelong members of the same extended family.

That’s what 130 years of tradition produces. And it deserves to be protected.

Get Connected

If you played in the Spirit Trophy game, grew up watching it, or simply love what local community traditions like this represent — I encourage you to follow the Spirit Trophy Foundation on Facebook and stay connected. More events and gatherings are coming, and this is a community worth being part of.

Today at 1 p.m., Warwick and Goshen write the next chapter. Game 130.

Go Wildcats. 🏈💜