Following the death of Dave Sweetser ’77 in July, a group of his football teammates and classmates have created a new award within the football program to honor Sweetser’s life and legacy.
Jim Soule ’77, who spearheaded the effort, said it was borne of a desire to honor Sweetser’s legacy as the quintessential lineman.
“A lineman is essentially a provider,” said Soule. “An offensive lineman will provide an opening for a running back for the success of the play. A defensive lineman will provide for the disruption of the opponents’ play.”
The Dave Sweetser ’77 Lineman Award will be presented annually to an offensive and a defensive lineman who exemplify outstanding performance and leadership, both on and off the field.
“David Sweetser used the skills learned on the gridiron to become a larger-than-life provider as a friend to many and a great success in the business world after college,” said Soule.
“His charismatic personality made him instantly likable to all that were fortunate to meet him. Metaphorically speaking, all would be wise to follow the path that David Sweetser took to be a truly great lineman in life.”
