I wish to thank the Harvard Varsity Club for selecting me for induction into the Hall of Fame. It is truly a humbling experience to be invited to join the prestigious ranks of the many outstanding athletes that have been inducted over the years. Being a student-athlete at Harvard has already contributed a lot to my life and this recognition is a much appreciated honor. As I prepared my thoughts for this evening, I first recognized that this award must be shared with the many people who played a role in shaping me as a football player at Harvard. My performance on the field was the result of the support of my family, the teachings and inspiration of my high school and Harvard coaches and the physical performance of my teammates, especially my fellow defensive lineman.

My second thoughts progressed to a realization of how much I have benefited from playing football especially at Harvard. For me, many of life’s lessons were learned on the playing field. Beginning in high school where I learned from my head coach, Ken Calhoun, the discipline that it takes to win. During my earlier years at Harvard, my teammates and I learned a different lesson about the character necessary to overcome the disappointment of defeat. As my football career progressed at Harvard, I gained an insight into the power of teamwork. And from George Clemmons, my defensive coordinator and defense line coach, I achieved a true understanding of the spirit of commitment.

I think one of the more significant experiences during my time at Harvard occurred when I was elected team captain. This was a team in which many of my classmates were three-year starters most of whom were captains of their high school programs and fully capable of leading our team in their own right. Players such as: Bob Woolway, Mike Durgin, Tim Palmer, Dave Otto, Matt Foley, Tony Finan, Danny Mee, and others. As I grappled with the challenge of leading a team of leaders, by accident or by plan I can’t say, but I realized an important lesson that leadership was more about fostering the natural leadership of my teammates and less about me. These many life lessons learned though athletics shaped me and have remained with me as I pursued my career in business. Whether leading a team or a business the discipline, character, teamwork, commitment and leadership principles are the same.

My final thoughts on playing football at Harvard focused on the rare opportunity to participate in sports at a highly competitively college level, while at all times keeping the perspective that I was in college to be a serious student. Harvard successfully brought together the thrill of competitive sport with the unmatched educational environment of Harvard College. I wish to express my thanks to Harvard for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy the Harvard experience, to play football simply for the love of the game, and for surrounding me for four years with the caliber of classmates and teammates from whom I have greatly benefited.

Harvard football is 23 years in my past and I have turned grayer, gained a few pounds and incurred more debt. But most importantly I have added to my life my lovely wife Allison and my 18-month-old son Max. They are now the pleasures of my life.

Congratulations to my fellow inductees and again thank you to the Harvard Varsity Club for selecting me to join the Hall of Fame.