University of Connecticut Athletics
Paying It Forward: UConn Football Donors Unite Behind a Program's New Era
12/19/2025 6:50:00 AM | Football, Husky Athletic Fund
Across generations of UConn Football alumni, a common thread emerges: the program changed their lives. Now, as the Huskies enter a new chapter under head coach Jason Candle, former players from every era are answering the call to give back—and the momentum built over the past four years is accelerating in ways the program has never seen before.
A Debt Repaid
For Fred Sporck '75, the decision to support UConn Football is deeply personal. "UConn was formative to my life," he reflects. "As a freshman, I probably like most, was a naïve kid. Two things, playing football and an engineering degree really changed my life. Now it's my turn to give back."
Mike Burton '99 carries that same sense of gratitude into his giving. "UConn Football gave me some of the most formative experiences of my life – on the field, in the locker room, and in the classroom," he says. "Supporting the program today is my way of giving back and helping ensure that future Huskies have the same opportunities."
John McEntee's '12 sentiment echoes across the generations: "UConn was good to me. Now it's time to give back—and ensure this next generation of Huskies has every opportunity to thrive."
This spirit of gratitude drives these alumni to invest in a program that gave them far more than wins and losses. As Sporck notes, some coaches were "really great people," singling out Andy Baylock in particular. "Football is a unique sport, because it really creates a brotherhood between players that lasts a lifetime."
For both McEntee and Burton, that brotherhood remains one of life's most fulfilling experiences. "One of the most fulfilling experiences in life is being part of something bigger than yourself," McEntee says. "I hope today's athletes carry that mindset with them into life after sports."
Burton reflects on how those bonds endure: "Strong. I'm still close with a lot of the guys I played with." The lessons learned on the field continue to shape him today. "My time as a football player taught me lessons that still guide me today. The bonds we built and the challenges we overcame shaped my approach to leadership in life and in business. Football is a proving ground for character, and I want every Husky to leave the program prepared to succeed far beyond the field."
Building on Four Years of Momentum
The transformation over the past four years under Jim Mora created a foundation that has galvanized these dedicated supporters. Sporck's assessment is direct: "The most obvious, after a series of poor coaches, is Coach Mora has really changed the trajectory of the program."
The results spoke volumes. McEntee had a front-row seat to the program's success last season: "The team did so great last year! I was able to make it to the bowl game in Boston and had such a great time catching up with old friends."
With Mora's departure to pursue other opportunities and the hiring of Jason Candle as UConn's new head coach, donors see not an ending but a continuation of the upward trajectory. "We're hoping to build a foundation for a long time," Burton explains. "Helping the program invest in a culture of excellence gives me the confidence that UConn Football is moving in the right direction."
That foundation—built through improved facilities, stronger recruiting, and a winning culture—positions the program to thrive under new leadership. These donors understand that sustained success requires more than great coaching—it demands resources that transcend any single era.
"Today's college sports environment is very different than when I was in school," Sporck observes. "The reality is for the university to recruit top athletes, money and NIL money is required. I want to see the school's sports programs and particularly the football program, which competes today as an independent, be successful."
McEntee frames it in terms of institutional pride: "A strong football program is important for the brand and the spirit of the university."
The influx of NIL support is already making a tangible difference. As Sporck notes, "Of course, NIL money coming in helps with recruiting the talent needed"—a critical advantage in today's competitive landscape that will serve Coach Candle as he builds his program.
The Energy of Collective Action
What energizes these donors isn't just on-field success—it's seeing a community rally around a shared vision that transcends coaching changes. For Sporck, the collective effort validates his individual commitment: "It's the right thing to do to give back to help build the program."
Burton sees the power in numbers, though he knows there's work to do. "It's incredibly energizing. Truth be told, we need more people to get involved," he says. "When our network of former players comes together to invest in the future of UConn Football, it sends a powerful message."
The energy is palpable, the momentum undeniable. Donors who once watched from the sidelines are now stepping up in unprecedented ways, united by a common belief that UConn Football's best days lie ahead—and that the foundation laid over the past four years has positioned the program for sustained success.
Writing the Next Chapter
As the program welcomes Jason Candle and embarks on a new era, Burton's vision captures what this moment represents. "It means everything," he says of being part of the program's story. "It's not a matter of if, it's when this program will find national prominence."
"I know that our UConn football alumni care deeply about the program," said Candle. "Many of these individuals have demonstrated their support and generosity, and, as we work to grow the positive momentum associated with the football program, their continued participation will be essential. I appreciate the warm welcome that our alums and all of UConn Nation have provided me and look forward to meeting many of our alums and supporters over the coming months."
As Burton, Sporck, McEntee, and a growing community of supporters look toward the future, they see a program poised for greatness if the support continues. Their giving isn't just about nostalgia for their playing days; it's an investment in what comes next.
The brotherhood that shaped them across different eras continues to bind UConn Football alumni together. From the Class of 1975 to the Class of 1999 to the Class of 2012 and beyond, a diverse community of former Huskies is coming together to ensure that today's athletes have every opportunity to thrive—just as they once did.
In giving back, these donors aren't just supporting a football program. They're honoring the coaches who believed in them, the teammates who became lifelong friends, and the university that set them on paths to success. Most importantly, they're ensuring that future generations of Huskies will have the same transformative experiences that changed their lives.
The question now isn't whether UConn Football can succeed—it's how far this united community of donors can help take it.
The UConn Football program is experiencing unprecedented momentum both on the field and in donor support. As we begin a new era under Coach Jason Candle, there's never been a more exciting time to be part of this historic resurgence. To learn how you can support the next chapter of UConn Football, contact Assistant Athletic Director, Major Gifts John Foster at Jfoster@foundation.uconn.edu or (860) 428-6741
