The connection between Sachem, Cortland and Ithaca has been well documented. Dozens of former and current coaches, and alums have played for the Red Dragons and Bombers.
Sachem coach Dave Falco played at Cortland, as did his brother Anthony and Sachem assistant Alex Grimm. Fred Fusaro played at Ithaca, at the same time former Sachem Athletic Director Tom Sabatelle was attending the college. The roots between both schools are very deep.
It was no surprise this week when Falco, Grimm and everyone associated with the colleges took to social media to share their passion for one of the more historic college football games in the northeast: Cortaca. It’s unique. It’s turned into a week-long event that comes with as much pre-game trash talk as it does riots and police activity post-game. Just check Twitter, there were at least 30 arrests Saturday night alone.
But more importantly, Sachem alums on each roster get a chance to play in the rivalry game that originated in 1930 and grew intensely in 1959 with the advent of the Cortaca Jug itself. It’s been madness ever since. Ithaca leads the all-time series, 35-21.
Cortland, however, has won four straight, including a 28-24 victory this year that had some late-game heroics.
Sachem alums on Cortland’s roster
- David Foster, East
- Vin Juliano, North
- Joe Kirchner, North (team captain)
- Michael McCarthy, North
- Jesse Scanna, North
Sachem alums on Ithaca’s roster
- Brian Balsamo, East
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro