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We all know about the New Haven/SCSU rivalry and the Elm City Trophy, but behind the rivalry the two programs are closely tied together. New Haven only had one 8-win season from 1973 to 1985, the 8-0-1 1979 season where they won the D3 New England Football Conference. In 1986 a former SCSU quarterback named Chris Palmer took over as head coach and led the Chargers to their first consecutive 8-win seasons. Palmer's success not only started a long career in college and pro football, but he also impacted the careers of many other coaches including Tony Sparano, who was one of Palmer's first assistants at New Haven.
Shortly before Palmer started at New Haven, SCSU was led by alum Kevin Gilbride. Gilbride coached the Owls to a 35-14-2 record from 1980-1984, and had his hands on the Elm City Trophy quite a bit, with a 3-0-1 record against New Haven. Gilbride went on to a long pro coaching career himself, mostly as an offensive coordinator. He was the offensive coordinator for the NY Giants for both of their Super Bowl upsets over the Patriots. Gilbride was followed by Rich Cavanaugh, SCSU's greatest head coach.
Many Owls have been in the NFL as well, including Jacques Cesaire and Joe Andruzzi.
We all know about the New Haven/SCSU rivalry and the Elm City Trophy, but behind the rivalry the two programs are closely tied together. New Haven only had one 8-win season from 1973 to 1985, the 8-0-1 1979 season where they won the D3 New England Football Conference. In 1986 a former SCSU quarterback named Chris Palmer took over as head coach and led the Chargers to their first consecutive 8-win seasons. Palmer's success not only started a long career in college and pro football, but he also impacted the careers of many other coaches including Tony Sparano, who was one of Palmer's first assistants at New Haven.
Shortly before Palmer started at New Haven, SCSU was led by alum Kevin Gilbride. Gilbride coached the Owls to a 35-14-2 record from 1980-1984, and had his hands on the Elm City Trophy quite a bit, with a 3-0-1 record against New Haven. Gilbride went on to a long pro coaching career himself, mostly as an offensive coordinator. He was the offensive coordinator for the NY Giants for both of their Super Bowl upsets over the Patriots. Gilbride was followed by Rich Cavanaugh, SCSU's greatest head coach.
Many Owls have been in the NFL as well, including Jacques Cesaire and Joe Andruzzi.