Under the lights of Schoellkopf Field, surrounded by family, teammates and four years’ worth of memories, Cornell sprint football’s seniors took the field for one final home game. The night was filled with emotion, pride, nostalgia and the kind of energy that only Senior Night can bring.
Though the Red fell just short in a thrilling 18-17 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas College on Friday, the night was a celebration of the players who’ve defined the program through grit, leadership and heart.
Before kickoff, the Red honored its senior class, Ian Applegate, Julian Dahl, Alexei DiDonato, Ismaa’il Eaddy, John He, Leo Madera Castellanos, Dylan Marshall, Michael Mosier, Anthony Rambino, Sumner Roberts, Zach Schutzer and Max Spero, for their commitment and perseverance. Each received cheers from teammates and fans, marking the end of their journey on Schoellkopf’s turf.
“It was really exciting to have our senior night,” senior kicker Sumner Roberts said. “Our season hasn’t gone the way we wanted it to up until now, but we knew this was a winnable game for us. We went into it with a great game plan and a lot of energy.”
Cornell (0-7, 0-4 CSFL) entered the game searching for its first win of the season and played with visible passion from the start. The Red struck first after sophomore defensive linemen Benjamin Roerden broke through on special teams and blocked a punt, resulting in junior linebacker Thomas Shegogue scooping it up for a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. Moments later, junior defensive back Kruz Meier powered into the end zone from 14 yards out, capping a 12-play, 76-yard drive and giving Cornell a 14-6 lead early in the second quarter.
The first half belonged to Cornell’s defense and special teams, which swarmed to the ball and forced turnovers that kept momentum alive. Senior linebacker Alexei DiDonato, playing in his final home game, led by example, forcing two fumbles and recovering one. Roerden added a sack, and freshman defensive back Dylan Leaird blocked an extra point attempt as the Red continued to fight on every possession.
“Our coaches have said this all season, but we have the best special teams unit in the league,” Roberts said. “Blocking three extra points is almost unheard of. That kept us in the game. Momentum like that is huge.”
But just before halftime, St. Thomas Aquinas (2-5, 2-2 CSFL) found its rhythm. The Spartans connected on a 76-yard touchdown pass and later capitalized on an interception return to take an 18-14 lead into the break.
Despite the swing, Cornell refused to back down. The defense clamped down in the second half, keeping the Spartans scoreless for the final two quarters. DiDonato’s leadership anchored the unit, while freshman linebacker Jason Milo and Meier combined for several key tackles that kept Cornell within striking distance.
“Every game is four quarters, and we’ve lost the last three games in the fourth quarter by one possession. We have to finish,” Roberts said. “We played really well, but if we don’t finish it in the fourth quarter, only the winner matters at the end.”
With under 10 minutes remaining, Cornell mounted one final push. Roberts nailed a 36-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 18-17, his steady right foot once again delivering when the Red needed it most. The crowd roared as Roberts jogged back to the sideline, surrounded by teammates who understood how much this game meant to its seniors.
“We made the gamble in the fourth quarter whether to try and make a touchdown on fourth and 10, or kick the field goal,” Roberts added. “Being down 18-14, we decided to kick and make it 18-17. We were close, but one point short.”
The Red’s defense stood tall once more, blocking a late St. Thomas Aquinas field goal to give the offense one last chance. But despite two final drives, including one that reached the Cornell 26-yard line, the Red ran out of time.
Meier led the offense with 22 carries for 72 yards and one touchdown, while junior quarterback Stefano Luis completed 9-18 passes for 97 yards, directing a balanced attack that totaled 239 yards.
Though the scoreboard favored the Spartans, the night belonged to Cornell’s seniors. Their leadership and resilience, from DiDonato’s defensive command to Roberts’ poise under pressure, defined the tone of the game and the program’s enduring culture.
“We are 0-7, but every guy in the locker room is just as motivated as we were back in Week One,” Roberts said. “Our season isn’t over until 9 p.m. Friday. We’ve got one more game, and we’re going to be ready, and looking forward, this program has a bright future.We have multiple freshmen starting this season, and they are really good. Coach Hugh has really recruited well. Cornell sprint football is building towards something great.”
As the lights dimmed over Schoellkopf, hugs and handshakes replaced frustration. For the seniors, it wasn’t about the score, it was about the journey, the friendships and the shared belief that they left Cornell sprint football stronger than they found it.
“We haven’t beat Penn since 2012,” Roberts said. “As seniors, we want that win. Everyone on the team wants that win.”
Sprint football will close out its 2025 season when it visits the University of Pennsylvania at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ as the Red looks to finish the season, and its senior class’s college careers, with one final statement.
Sureya Lopez is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a staff writer for the sports department and can be reached at slopez@cornellsun.com.
