Sixteen years ago, this web site posted a small item to honor the origins of Memorial Day. It has proved popular each year, and in an era where our attention is once again focused on protecting our nation, this note is presented in honor of those whose sacrifices we remember this weekend.

In 1876, Georgetown University adopted the colors blue and gray to honor its former students who had fought and perished in the Civil War. To this day, over 350 students and alumni have died in the service of their country, as well as faculty, chaplains, and Georgetown-trained members of the U.S. diplomatic corps. Eight years earlier in 1868, not far from the University, a proclamation was read by Gen. John Logan, the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic for a day of remembrance for those who had died on the battle fields. This proclamation is said to be the origin of Memorial Day. This weekend, please take a brief moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by men and women from whose courage has helped ensure the countless blessings we now enjoy, and those blessings we seek to secure for the future: "We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. "Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of a free and undivided Republic."

From GUHoyas.com, news of a successful response to a challenge drive to spur annual gifts from former letter winners across various Georgetown sports.

From a $25,000 challenge from three alumni, over $257,000 was raised over the past two months to support the Annual Fund for Georgetown Athletics (formerly, the Hoyas Unlimited General Fund).

"These contributions help ensure that Georgetown athletes will continue to receive the best academic experience coupled with the opportunity to compete at a high level of Division I intercollegiate athletics," said athletic director Lee Reed.

From the HoyaTalk board, a turf replacement is underway this summer for the Multi-Sport Field project.

There are no plans to address the large number of unfinished facility issues at the MSF, which have all been officially on hold since September 2005. The Third Rail Blog provides a look back at the contemporary plans for the project at that time.

The off-season also affords time to do some updates over at the Football History pages. Changes and corrections are, of course, welcome, but to help us maintain an accurate site, we've also posted a list of missing items which some of our readers might be able to help with, from scans of old programs to information on former players. Visit this "wanted page" for an update on what is being sought.

One doesn't need to convince incoming freshman Robert Hardaway on the importance of balancing academics and athletics. As he told the Dalton (GA) Daily Citizen, it's a clear choice.

“With colleges it seems like people work around things to get students into their schools because it’s good for schools," Hardaway said. "Personally, I think if you can’t get into school academically you shouldn’t be there athletically.”

Hardaway is among the more recognized recruits in Georgetown's class of 2017, with 302 tackles, 20 sacks and four touchdowns as a three year starter at Dalton HS.

"Georgetown is definitely an academics first school. I’ve been raised that way and taught that way. I’m blessed to be able to play [football] at the college level, but I’m more blessed to go to a great school.”

Over at the Third Rail blog, a two part series has been posted on the legacy of football at the ten schools that will continue as the Big East into 2013. Read part one and part two here.

The football office has released the final list of 23 incoming recruits for the 2013 season, adding three from the names compiled here in February.

"This is an excellent class and it will create much needed depth to supplement our eight returning starters on defense and seven returning starters on offense," said head coach Kevin Kelly.

The arrival of six local recruits caught the attention of the Washington Post, which noted that "The list featured four Virginia players and two more from Maryland, almost as many players from within The Post coverage area as the past three years combined."

"I think we’re getting a lot more credibility locally," coach Kelly said.

Georgetown is among the last schools in Division I which announce recruits; as a rule, GU does not announce recruits until they are admitted and confirm their place in the Class of 2017, which takes place by May 1. The other Patriot League schools announced their classes in February.

The 23 freshmen replace 16 graduating seniors; hence, some attrition is expected for the 2013 roster. The spring roster indicated 65 of the 78 possible returning players from 2012 were in practice. Of the 13 which did not play, nine are no longer listed on the active roster posted at GUHoyas.com (2012 starters in bold):

• #17-Will Carroll, DB (Jr)
• #20-Kevin Macari, WR (So)
• #22-Charles Takeh, RB (So)
• #30-Marcus Hughes, DB (So)
• #47-Jonathan Brucia, DL (Jr)
• #53-Ty Parsons, LB (Fr)
• #59-Mac Stephen, OL (Jr)
• #65-Thomas Gallagher, OL (Jr)
• #76-Heath Dickey, OL (Jr)

Former Georgetown linebacker Robert McCabe (B'13) announced via his Twitter feed that he has signed a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins following the conclusion of the NFL Draft.

"Excited to be a Dolphin!", McCabe said.

McCabe was a consensus All-American in 2013 and the Patriot League defensive player of the year, leading the nation in tackles with 159.

Excerpts from the monthly e-letter from head coach Kevin Kelly:

"I wanted to take a moment to once again thank our seniors for their commitment and dedication to the Georgetown football program during the last four years. Nothing that we ask of these student-athletes is easy, and each of them deserves respect for their hard work and perseverance. I would also like to thank the parents for all of their support, especially Yvette Logan, who has been very helpful to this program during her son's career...

"At the end of next week, we will be announcing our recruiting class. We will be bringing in an excellent class that will create much needed depth to supplement our eight returning starters on defense and seven returning starters on offense, which includes three all-league players from a year ago.

"In the meantime, we are anxiously awaiting the NFL Draft and keeping our fingers crossed that we will hear Robert McCabe's name called and he will have a chance to continue to fine tune his skills at the next level. We are all excited about seeing McCabe and possibly Jeremy Moore in camps with a chance of playing at the next level."

University officials have announced a student pub at New South Hall, which will be be managed by a football alumnus.

Francis “Fritz” Brogan III (C'07, L'10), a third generation Hoya and a second generation football alumnus (playing on the 2003 and 2004 teams), will manage the as-yet-unnamed bar, which is set to open in the Healey Family Student Center in 2014. This marks the first such watering hole on the campus since the legendary Center Pub was shuttered by the University 20 years ago.

"As a lifelong Hoya, I can't imagine anything more exciting than partnering with my alma mater to work with students on creating this new Georgetown tradition,” said Brogan, who has managed a number of establishments in the Washington area since graduation.

"Fritz knows Georgetown well, and this new venture will be a great connection between a loyal alumnus and today's students,” says Todd Olson, Georgetown vice president for student affairs. “The pub will be an inviting new social center for students and will be one of the key elements that will make our new student center so lively and engaging. I am excited about working with Fritz, our students, and colleagues across campus as we bring the Healey Family Student Center to life.”

“This pub will be a testament to the collegiate Hoya spirit and provide a fun and vibrant atmosphere for students to enjoy on campus,” said Brogan.

It has been days since construction was halted on the Multi-Sport Facility. Give our students a home that befits Georgetown.

This site would like to take this opportunity for our readers to strongly consider joining the Georgetown Gridiron Club, the official support organization of Georgetown Football.

Show your support for the Hoyas with an online gift to the Gridiron Club. Visit this link and make a donation. On the form, go to the selection box titled "Direct Your Gift", select "Other", and type in the words "Football/Gridiron Club" in the box marked "Other".

A growth in support is essential for Georgetown to compete with schools with budgets and facilities that far exceed that which exists on the Hilltop today. Your tax-deductible gift is important not only for Georgetown football, but class fund totals, parents fund totals and overall Annual Fund giving. Today's support is a vital part of tomorrow's Georgetown Football.

This is an unofficial site for Georgetown Football. If you are interested in playing football at Georgetown, please do not contact us. Write to the Department of Athletics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057. General information for prospective student athletes and their parents can be found at this NCAA link.

AMDG