Grove City College Wolverines Football Tickets

As one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Grove City College may not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing college football. However, the Wolverines are a force to be reckoned with on the Division III level.

Grove City College is located in western Pennsylvania and has a rich history of athletics dating back to its founding in 1876. The Wolverines have fielded a football team since 1891 and have amassed an overall record of 586-529-50 over their 130-year history.

In recent years, the Wolverines have been particularly successful. They have posted winning records in each of the past 10 seasons and have made five appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs during that time. In 2019, the team finished the regular season with a record of 9-1 and earned a trip to the postseason.

While some might view Division III football as inferior to the higher levels of the sport, Grove City College head coach Andrew DiDonato sees it differently.

"Our goals and dreams are no different from those at any other level," he said. "We want to compete for championships and win games."

One aspect that makes Division III unique is the focus on academics. Athletes at this level are true student-athletes, with academics taking precedence over athletics. This is certainly the case at Grove City College, where academic excellence is a top priority. The school is consistently ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the country and boasts a strong academic reputation.

DiDonato believes this focus on both academics and athletics is what makes Grove City College stand out.

"It's a unique institution, one that values faith, freedom, and individual responsibility," he said. "Our program reflects these values, but also recognizes the importance of balancing football with academics, work, and community service."

The Wolverines' success on the field is also a testament to DiDonato's leadership. Since taking over as head coach in 2014, he has led the team to a record of 52-15 and has established a winning culture within the program.

"The energy, passion, and enthusiasm that Coach DiDonato brings is contagious," said senior quarterback Brett Pinson, who was named the conference's offensive player of the year in 2019. "He demands excellence and sets the bar high for us, both on and off the field."

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wolverines are currently preparing for a spring season that will feature five conference games. While playing football during the spring will certainly be different, DiDonato remains optimistic.

"Our players have shown tremendous resiliency and flexibility throughout this entire process," he said. "We're excited to get back out there and continue working towards our goals."

As the Grove City College Wolverines prepare to take the field once again, they serve as a reminder that success on the football field can be achieved at any level. With a focus on both athletics and academics, they show that it's possible to not only win games but also develop well-rounded student-athletes who will succeed long after their football careers are over.