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FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Though he stepped down as head football coach at Fairfield Prep three years ago, Rich Magdon is still a presence at the school, as a housemaster and director of facilities. This season, the school decided to make sure Magdon never leaves the Jesuits’ football program.
Prep inducted Magdon into the Coaches’ Corner Friday night. A plaque with his name will adorn a rock in a corner of Alumni Field, joining those celebrating three of Prep’s other coaching legends: Joseph Brosley, Earl Lavery and Fr. Eugene Brissette.
“To just be considered in the same breath as those three individuals right there is extremely humbling and rewarding,” Magdon said.
Magdon started his coaching career at Fairfield Prep in 1970 as an assistant under Lavery. He took over the head coaching job in 1993 and racked up a 96-69-2 record before retiring in 2008. During his 15-year tenure he led the Jesuits to three Southern Connecticut Conference division titles and two state semifinal appearances.
He said after the ceremony that one accomplishment stood out in particular. Madgon’s Jesuits ended Cheshire’s state-record 49-game winning streak in 1996.
“[Lavery] and [Brosley] took the game to a high level,” Magdon said. “I don’t think it ever tailed off. I think we kept it at that competitive level, and a respectable level. And when it was my watch, I don’t think I brought it down any.”
Prep revealed the plaque in a ceremony during halftime of Friday’s rain-delayed home opener against Wilbur Cross. The Jesuits’ fans showed their appreciation long before that, however, erupting in chants of “Win for Richie” during the first half.
“Rich was a great teacher of the game,” said school president Fr. Jack Hanwell, quoting former player Greg Zielinski. “His knowledge of football and skills in managing the football team, coaching staff and parents were very impressive. More importantly, however, Rich Magdon taught us about life. He had a plethora of quotations, anecdotes and wisdom.”
To reach Greg Canuel, email gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.
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