It’s a story that’s been told many times. It’s the story of a tiny college in New York City that defied the odds... and won it all. It’s the story of the 1987 Wagner College Seahawks football team.
who, a quarter century later, still plies his same trade; nurturing, prodding, molding, disciplining and, above all, leading young men.HamelineA group of tough, wide-eyed young men, guided by an energetic, enthusiastic, and driven seventh-year head coach a 36-year old man named Walt
Division III National Championship with a 19-3 victory over the University of Dayton in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.The greatest day in the long and illustrious gridiron history of Wagner College came on a sunny December 12, 1987 in Phenix, Alabama, as the Seahawks captured the 1987 NCAA
Winners of seven straight and 12 of 13 heading into the championship, Wagner rose to the challenge, jumping out to a 19-0 first-half lead. The Green & White never looked back in cruising to the College’s first and only national championship in any sport.
Sports IllustratedFollowing the season, their story grew as six players were named All-American, including three first-teamers. Their story was even splashed across a two-page spread in
It will be told time and time again. Over these last 25 years, the Seahawks’ achievement has been well-told.
1987 (13-1-0)
Coach: Walt Hameline
Captains: Artie Dimella, Rich Negrin
| 9/5 |
William Paterson |
W, 14-0 |
| 9/12 |
at Montclair State |
W, 24-17 |
| 9/19 |
at St. John’s |
W, 30-14 |
| 9/26 |
Trenton State |
W, 41-13 |
| 10/3 |
at SUNY-Buffalo |
W, 20-0 |
| 10/10 |
at Hofstra |
L, 35-28 |
| 10/24 |
at U.S.M.M.A. |
W, 16-14 |
| 11/7 |
at West. Conn. State |
W, 27-3 |
| 11/14 |
Pace |
W, 59-7 |
| 11/21 |
Rochester |
W, 38-14 NCAA Playoffs |
| 11/28 |
Fordham |
W, 21-0 NCAA Playoffs |
| 12/5 |
at Emory & Henry |
W, 20-15 NCAA Playoffs |
| 12/12 |
Dayton |
W, 19-3 NCAA Championship Game |
