There’s nothing in sports like a good comeback story.
The Whittier College Board of Trustees has officially approved the return of the College’s football program for the 2026-27 academic year, marking a pivotal moment in Whittier’s storied athletic history. (Future president Richard Nixon played for the 1932 squad.) The revitalized program will build on the College’s long-standing tradition of excellence, creating new and enhanced opportunities for exceptional student-athletes to thrive.
This comeback was made possible through the unwavering support of Whittier alumni, whose grassroots fundraising efforts raised more than $814,000. Their dedication mirrors the recent successful revival of the men’s lacrosse program, underscoring the deep commitment of Whittier’s alumni to supporting the College and enriching its athletic legacy.
“We are thrilled to welcome football back to Whittier College,” said President Kristine Dillon ’73. “This program has been an integral part of our history, and its return will energize campus life, reengage our alumni, and offer prospective students another compelling reason to join the Poet family. It’s an exciting time to be a Poet.”
Ron Gastelum ’68, chair of the Whittier Board of Trustees and a donor to the drive to reinstate football, said, “This isn’t just about bringing back football; it’s about doing it right. We’re committed to building a robust program that focuses on the holistic development of our student-athletes. We aim to see them succeed on the field, excel in the classroom, and thrive beyond college. I can already envision the stands filled with fans, cheering on our Poets in 2026!”
Speaking of comeback stories, when Whittier’s men’s lacrosse team played its final game of the 2023 season (April 22, against UCLA), it appeared it would be the final game of any kind for NCAA lacrosse in California. The Poets were the sole West Coast representative of a sport many associate with the eastern United States. Financial constraints forced the end of a program that had proudly taken the field in purple and gold for more than four decades.
But not so fast. A fundraising campaign led by a pair of former lacrosse players — Joe McCarthy ’97 and Jon Damm ’95 — has so far generated more than $180,000 thanks to more than 130 donors who recognize the tradition, value, and yes, future of men’s lacrosse at Whittier. So the sport will be reintroduced on the intercollegiate level, starting with the 2025-26 academic year.
“In 2000, we joined NCAA Division III,” explained Whittier athletic director Rock Carter, “and there’s no lacrosse west of the Mississippi River other than Colorado College.” The reborn Poets program will play in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA), the governing body for more than 200 non-NCAA teams. Among the programs Whittier intends to join for conference play: USC, UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State.
“One of the reasons we were able to be successful for so long was the support of alumni and parents, and that was really evident in the effort to bring back both football and lacrosse,” said Carter. “Their voices were heard, and they also stepped up to plant seed money.”
Ken Woods ’84, vice president of strategic enrollment management, added, “People saw the value of Whittier College sports. The alumni stepped up. They raised that money in a matter of weeks. We should get between 20 and 30 players the first year for lacrosse. It will bring alumni back to campus, too.”