Boston College Football Countdown: 81 Days to Go
By Joe Micik
There are now 81 days remaining until the start of the 2013 Boston College football season. There’s nothing particularly notable about it other than being a day closer to the Eagles returning than yesterday, but by all means, don’t click the red X. You know you’d rather be reading sports articles than doing work.
Who Most Recently Wore 81
Stew Milne-USA TODAY SportsChris Pantale, TE
Just because the number hasn’t been reassigned yet doesn’t mean we can’t talk about the last guy who wore it; in this case, Chris Pantale, former Eagles tight end who departed after this past season. His Boston College career wasn’t half bad, though he did end up missing significant time in his final season because of injury — he appeared in all 38 games of his first three years, starting all but two. He racked up a grand total of 98 receptions and 986 yards with seven career touchdowns.
Pantale might have liked hearing Steve Addazio’s commitment to the tight end position several years ago, but his experience will be missed in the upcoming season.
Notables Who Wore 81
• Andy Hemmer, DE, 1983-86. This guy.
• Charlie Smith, E, 1963-65. 1965 team captain. This guy.
• Francois Brochu, LS, 2001-05. Le long snapper Quebecois.
Enter Cowboy Jack
’81 was the start of the Jack Bicknell era at Boston College. He was hired from Maine, and his first season on the Heights wasn’t great: the independent Eagles were 5-6 and obviously outside the realm of bowl play.
Enter Doug Flutie
’81 also happened to be Doug Flutie’s freshman year at Boston College. His coach would have his best years with that quarterback from Natick at his side. In 1981, Flutie would go on to the All-ECAC team and would be named ECAC Rookie of the Year.
Enter Tony Thurman
The playing career of Tony Thurman also began at Boston College in 1981. He is the all-time leader in interceptions at the school with 25 and interception return yards with 335.
Drafted in ’81
• Tim Sherwin (4th round; Baltimore Colts)
• Mike Mayock (10th round; Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Bill Stephanos (11th round; Minnesota Vikings)
Another 81 Fact
It’s a perfect square, for those who are/were math majors. If anyone cares. Nobody? OK.