West Chester University to Honor Military and First Responders at Nov. 1 Football Game
West Chester University (WCU) will pay tribute to the men and women who serve our country and communities during its Military and First Responder Appreciation game on Saturday, November 1, when the Golden Rams take on Bloomsburg University at 12 p.m. in Farrell Stadium. The event will recognize veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with pregame honors, in-game recognitions, and a limited number of free tickets available at the gate on a first-come, first-served basis for military and first responders who present valid identification.
“West Chester is committed to honoring those who’ve made service their life’s work,” said WCU’s Director of Athletics Terry Beattie. “This game is one way we show our appreciation for their courage, commitment, and impact on our community.”
Four honorary captains will take the field for the pregame coin toss: a United States Marine Corps (USMC) sergeant and three WCU student leaders who have served and continue to serve as military members or first responders.
Among them is Sophia Feliciano, a Marine Corps veteran, junior criminal justice major, and president of WCU’s Student Veterans Group (SVG). Feliciano, who served from 2015 to 2019 as an ammunition technician, said she was driven to join the Marines because it was the toughest path.
“I was told I couldn’t do it, that it was too hard, especially for someone small like me,” said Feliciano, who was stationed in California and deployed to the Polynesian Islands. “Now I’m a full-time student and a single mom. Being honored like this is powerful, not just for me, but for every veteran who never got the chance to be recognized. I want my daughter to grow up knowing she can do anything.”
Under Feliciano's leadership, the Student Veterans Group is actively working to connect student veterans and increase their visibility on campus. She said this game plays a big part in that mission.
“For some of us, appreciation is hard to accept, but it matters,” she said. “It reminds you that people see your service. It also makes space for veterans who’ve felt unseen. This recognition is for them, too.”
Joining Feliciano is Dylan Logue, a senior criminal justice student and firefighter with Fame Fire Company in West Chester. Logue, who balances classwork with emergency calls and leadership duties as a lieutenant, said the University’s recognition of first responders sends a powerful message.
“People thank us, but a lot of what we do happens behind the scenes,” he said. “It means a lot when that effort is seen. I joined to help people on their worst days. This game reminds us that people notice and that it matters.”
Chase Templeton, a sophomore in an accelerated sports medicine bachelor’s to athletic training master’s program, will also serve as an honorary team captain. He’s the WCU Division Operations Coordinator for Good Fellowship Ambulance Company.
The pregame ceremony will feature a ceremonial coin toss by Command Sgt. Maj. James Miller, USMC, of the Recruiting Station in Harrisburg, who is also an honorary team captain. And a presentation of colors by the Marine Corps Color Guard of the Recruiting Station in Harrisburg.
Currently, 355 student veterans attend WCU. The WCU Veterans Center, located at 624 S. High Street, received 1,300 visits during the fall 2024 semester and is on track to surpass this number with 827 visits so far this semester. The WCU Student Veterans Group is active and is comprised of a five-member board: SVG President Feliciano, SVG Vice-President Niko Ferrantello, SVG Secretary Jeremy Ruspantine, SVG Treasurer Reba Gilworth, and SVG Parliamentarian Brianna Mazza. The SVG has a full semester of fall programming and fund raising scheduled to support WCU’s student veterans.
“To Military and National Guard Service Members, Veterans, First Responders and their families, thank you for choosing West Chester University to call home during your college career,” said Lillian Morrison, director of the Veterans Center. “It is an honor to walk alongside you during this leg of your journey. You will always be family.”