University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Massachusetts
Huskies Host UMass For Homecoming
10/25/2018 11:06:00 AM | Football
Please note, some gameday activities have been altered due to weather
STORRS, Conn. - The UConn football team returns home to Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 27 at noon against UMass. The game can be viewed on ESPNU or be available on on 97-9 ESPN Hartford or on the TuneIn App.
Weather Updates
The game will be played rain or shine. Some of the normal events surrounding gameday have been changed. Fan Fest and Husky Walk have been canceled. Please visit Gameday Central for the most up to date information.
Homecoming Honorary CaptainsÂ
Shane Stafford, Dennis Callaghan and Phil Hunt from the 1998 UConn football team will serve as honorary captains during the coin toss at Saturday's game. Other honorary captains for the game include Glenn Antrum and Mark Landolfi from 1988, Dennis O'Connell from 1978, Hank Palasek from 1968 and Paul Scagnelli and Bill Wallner from 1958.
Feature Story By Alyssa Cantisani
Senior linebacker Santana Sterling wore the number 22 in Saturday's game against South Florida, in an emotional tribute to teammate Eli Thomas who is in stable condition after suffering a stroke earlier this month.
"It felt great," said Sterling. "It felt great to go out there and not play for myself. To play for a bigger purpose, someone who has given their all but can't get out on the field anymore."
Sunday, October 14, was when Sterling first approached head coach Randy Edsall with the idea. The day started with a visit to the hospital and ended with practice. That visit was what assured Sterling that he wanted to do something special for Thomas.
"I felt like it was something I could do for not only Eli but for the team," said Sterling. "I wanted to get the team revved up and let them know that he is here with us in spirit so let's go play for him. At the end of the day, he's our brother."
Edsall and the rest of the Huskies weren't the only ones excited about the idea. Thomas, his family and his girlfriend felt overwhelmed with joy when they heard the news.
Sterling recorded an interception on the first defensive drive of the game against the Bulls while honoring Thomas but to him, it was more about the team coming together as a whole and putting forth one of their best efforts this season.
"We played a lot of motion," said the Arizona native. "It wasn't just me but the whole team. Everyone was clicking and they were resilient. Offense was playing great, defense was playing great, everyone was just doing their job. Like I said, everyone was playing with energy."
Thomas has been known to be one of the Huskies leaders. He's come back from three ACL injuries and has consistently set an example for his teammates that exudes optimism and determination because of these qualities he is part of the Huskies leadership council.
"He's a hard worker," said Sterling. "He's always pushing me and I'm always pushing him. It's a competition, we try to beat each other out and it makes us better every day."
Between Thomas and Sterling, there has always been a special bond as they both came to UConn from a similar situation, community college. The bond they have is one that no matter what they face, won't be broken.
The Huskies have been vocal about playing for Thomas for the remainder of the season and hope they can make their teammate proud as he watches from afar.
