PHILADELPHIA – Two years ago, former Head Sprint Football Coach Bill Wagner met with Penn Athletics administrators to discuss his retirement plans. During that meeting Coach Wagner laid out objectives and priorities to ensure the Penn Sprint Football program would continue to advance and remain financially healthy following his retirement. Thus a $1 Million Endowment Campaign for Penn Sprint Football was launched.
 
Over the past two years, Sprint Football alumni have raised more than $1M in endowment funding to support the Sprint Football program and its student-athletes.
 
"Words cannot express my gratitude toward our alumni. Time and time again, they continue to amaze me with their dedication and support of our sport," Wagner said.
 
The lead gift was made by former Sprint Football alum Rick Schnall W'91, to endow a full-time assistant coaching position. Schnall, a 1991 Wharton graduate and standout linebacker is the co-president of private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in New York City and part owner of the Atlanta Hawks.
 
"Supporting Wags and Sprint Football has always been an easy decision for me," Schnall said. "Sprint Football was a material part of my experience at Penn and Wags was a mentor and role model for me as he has been for so many others who have come through the Sprint program. When I was approached with the opportunity to make a lead gift, I was more than happy to help."

"Rick was a phenomenal player and is a tremendous person," Wagner said. "His generosity toward our program has positioned us for success now and in the future. Having a full-time assistant coach has been a top priority for us for a long time, and to accomplish this as I retire is heartwarming."
 
The additional $1M in endowment funding will allow the current William R. Wagner Head Coach, Jerry McConnell, to continue competing at a championship level and providing his student-athletes with an unrivaled experience.
 
"To come into the head coaching position and receive this type of support is a true testament to Wags and his relationship with our alumni," McConnell said "I am so grateful for the leadership and generosity of our alumni. We are a better program because of them."
 
The Sprint Football program plans to celebrate this accomplishment during its annual Alumni Game and barbeque at Franklin Field on Saturday, Sept. 11. For the first time in 50 years, Coach Wagner will not be on the sidelines for the current team. Instead he will be on the field as the starting quarterback for the Alumni Team!
 
Alumni, parents and friends can register for Sprint Alumni Weekend here. Please contact Charlie Carroll (ccarrol2@upenn.edu) from the Penn Champions Club with any questions.