Widener names football field after trustee’s late mother
CHESTER » Widener University recently named its football field in memory of the matriarch of a football family with deep Widener connections.
Through a gift to the university, university trustee and alumnus James Hirschmann III ’82, paid tribute to the memory of his late mother, Elizabeth J. Hirschmann.
Elizabeth J. Hirschmann Field was unveiled before kickoff under the lights at a Catholic League high school game between LaSalle College High School and St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.
“We are truly honored to have our field bear the Hirschmann name,” said Widener University President Julie E. Wollman. “This is a wonderful way to memorialize a remarkable woman.”
James Hirschmann played football for four years at Widener and was captain of the 1981 team. The team went undefeated in the regular season before winning the NCAA Division III Football Championship. Hirschmann and his five brothers all played in the Catholic League during their high school years, and their father, James Hirschmann II, was a league coach for nearly 20 years. Elizabeth Hirschmann never missed a game or the chance to cheer on her family. She passed away in June.
Wollman welcomed Jim Hirschmann III, his father, seven siblings and their families, Widener football coaching legend Bill Manlove and defensive backs coach Bob Young, fellow captains Tony Britton and Tim Keyser of the 1981 team, friends and families to the dedication. Colin Hirschmann played for LaSalle College High School in the first game played on his grandmother’s newly named field, which kicked off minutes after the dedication.
“This was a fitting tribute to my mother, who took so much joy from watching her family play the game,” Jim Hirschmann said. “My memories of playing football for Widener will last a lifetime. It seemed fitting to honor her in this way.”