Alumni and current Cuyahoga Falls Black Tigers said their final goodbyes on Sept. 12 to Clifford Stadium on homecoming night.
“My first game here as a Tiger, I was a baby, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s sentimental but I’m excited for a new era,” said class of 2012 alumna Alyssa Smith.
Clifford Stadium has hosted high school football games for 85 years, with numerous future NFL players taking the field, as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers, a Super Bowl MVP, a College Football Hall of Famer, an Ohio Mr. Football and future Olympians.
In July, Lambert Buick GMC gained naming rights to the new stadium, part of the district’s massive middle and high school project.
But for Falls residents, Clifford Stadium will always hold history and won’t be forgotten.
“My family has been here since the ’60s, I’ve been here since a child – this school means so much to me, there’s so much history to it and to our family, and community. Its music and sports program has united our community even in the worst of times,” said Drew Suffron as tears came down his face.
More residents react to last game at stadium and share favorite memories
“It’s kinda hard to put into words being that it’s the last game,” said Rick Alexander. “I’ve seen the new stadium I like it.”
Alexander said his favorite memory was beating Stow.
Senior cheerleader Alana Edwards said, “I think it’s a bittersweet moment as a senior. I think it’s going to be really nice cheering at our new stadium.”
Clarissa Castello’s favorite memory was going to games but not watching any football because she was so busy “playing around” and having fun with friends and family.
“I’m definitely torn but I lived in California for 15 years and being able to come back to participate in this is kinda cool,” Castello said.
“It’s kinda sad but I’m kinda glad to be the last one here and the first one at the new one,” said senior cheerleader Josie Chastain. “I feel very special honestly.”
Earl Clifford’s granddaughter receives plaque during halftime presentation
Halftime was extended by 10 minutes.
Superintendent Andrea Celico was joined with family members of Earl Clifford, who the stadium is named after, and students.
Clifford was the president of the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education and was the first to propose Friday night football games between high schools. He was killed in the “Doodlebug” train crash of July 31, 1940, at age 40.
“Looking out at the stadium tonight, I see more than just a field and stands. I see 85 years of memory. While a chapter of our history ends tonight, a new one is beginning,” Celico said.
Celico then presented a plaque to Clifford’s granddaughter.
It then was announced that the stadium would remain open an extra 30 minutes for fans to take their last pictures of the field.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cuyahoga Falls alumni, students say goodbyes to Clifford Stadium on homecoming night
Reporting by Alisson Toro-Lagos, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
