In a significant gesture of support for Hobart College athletics, Honorary Trustee Thomas B. Poole ’61 and Mary Jane Poole have endowed the Hobart head football coaching position with a $1 million gift. dollars, ensuring the position will be named in perpetuity as Thomas B. “Poole ’61 and Hobart Soccer Family Head Coach.” This endowment, announced at a recent meeting of the Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) Board of Trustees, will honor Hobart’s first coach, Ray Demuth, and current head coach Shawn Griffin, the most successful coach winner of the program.

Governor Mark D. Gearan thanked the Pooles for their long-standing dedication to HWS, noting, “This generous contribution will forever connect Tom’s passion for Hobart football to future generations of student-athletes.” »

The Pooles have always supported HWS, helping with projects such as the renovation of the Poole Family Admissions Center, the creation of the Tom Poole ’61 football team hall, and the construction of the Thomas B. Poole ’61 and the Family Sports Dome. . Poole, who was captain of Hobart’s 1960 football team, referenced Griffin’s 25-year commitment to the program as the inspiration for the gift. “Griff has built Hobart football into a program that commands respect and produces well-rounded student-athletes,” Poole said.

The announcement highlighted the Pooles’ impact on campus, as Griffin expressed his gratitude, saying, “Your contributions have shaped the life of our community. »

With this gift, the Pooles continue to strengthen Hobart’s sporting and educational heritage, reaffirming their commitment to the college and its students.

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