In 2012 Sean Marinan Jr. (on left) became the first Xavier Falcon to join the UCONN Husky program. As a junior at Xavier, Marinan was an All-Conference selection as an offensive guard. As a senior, Marinan was both an All-Conference and All-State selection at defensive end. As a Falcon, Marinan was a two way starter for both the 2011 and 2012 state championship teams. During his senior season, Marinan was also a team captain. In addition to playing football, Marinan also wrestled on the Xavier Falcon team that won the State Open tournament in 2012. During his senior season, Marinan was a All-Conference Champ, a Class LL State Champ, a State Open Champ, and a New England Champ in the 215 lb. weight class. In 2010 Graham Stewart (on right) became the first Xavier player to be offered a full scholarship prior to his senior season (he verbally committed as a linebacker to Boston College in August prior to his senior year). As a Falcon, Stewart lead his team in tackles in his sophomore, junior and senior years. As a junior, Stewart was an All-State selection as well as a member of Xavier's state semi-finalist team. As a senior, he helped lead the Falcons to their second Class LL State Title and second consesus #1 state ranking (their first came in 2005). He also, once again, earned All-State accolades in the process.
Following the conclusion of his senior season, Stewart finally committed in writing to the Florida University Gators where he played inside linebacker in 2011. In his only year as a Gator, Stewart played on various special teams units. Stewart's most notable play during the 2011 season was his touchdown return of a blocked punt versus Ohio State University during a post-season bowl game.
In the spring of 2012 Stewart transferred from Florida to UCONN, citing "family reasons" as the cause for moving to a program closer to home. He joins Marinan as the two first Falcons to play for UCONN.
In 2009 Wilhelm Tye (on the right) Graduated from Xavier. Following his graduation, Wilhelm went on to study at the Salisbury School in Salisbury Connecticut. After his one year at Salisbury, Wilhelm secured a scholarship to Florida State University where during the 2010 season was listed on the roster as a 6'3" 230 lb. tight end. According to the Seminole website, Wilhelm was a "Physically mature tight end who could have an immediate impact at a position of need." In 2013, Wilhelm transferred to Stony Brook University.
Photo courtesy: MelinasPhotography.com
In 2005 Amari Spievey (RB/CB) led his team to a "Class LL" state championship title as well as a consensus #1 state ranking in all Connecticut final polls. During his career as a Falcon, Spievey compiled: 3,606 yards rushing with 50 touchdowns as a rusher, 53 receptions for 858 yards and 8 touchdowns as a receiver, and 16 career interceptions and 2 touchdowns as a defensive back.
After his years as a Falcon, Spievey went on to play for Iowa University (via a scholarship) where as a red-shirt sophomore he started every game as a cornerback. In his first year as a starter, Spievey compiled 68 total tackles--good for 3rd on the team. In that same year, he also recorded 4 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. For his efforts in the defensive backfield, the Big Ten Coaches named him as a 2nd Team All Big Ten selection.
In his second year as a starter for Iowa, Spievey struggled to match his stats from the previous year, largely because of the fact the majority of his opponents avoided throwing to his side. Despite this fact, Spievey still managed to earn enough respect to be selected 66th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
After being drafted by the Lions, Spievey made the final cut and earned a spot of the Lion's regular season roster where he spent the early part of the season in a secondary role as one of the Lions #2 safeties. After an injury to the staring Strong Safety about midway through the 2010-2011 season, Spievey moved into the starting role which he eventually owned for the remainder of the season. During his first year as a professional player, Spievey was eighth on his team in tackles with a total of 51. In addition, Spievey also was second on the team in interceptions with two which he returned for a total of 35 yards.
Top photo courtesy: blackheartgoldpants.com
Bottom photo courtesy: espn.com
In 1974 Phillip Murphy (OL/DL) was a member of Xavier's first State Championship Team. And despite being only a junior during that year, Murphy established himself as one of the most dominant players in the state of Connecticut. Following his graduation from Xavier in 1975, Murphy earned a sholarship to South Carolina State University. After playing for the Game Cocks, Murphy was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. As a Ram, Murphy played two seasons as a defensive lineman. Since his graduation from Xavier, Murphy has continuosly been a major supporter of the Falcons and their efforts on the gridiron.
Photo courtesy: middletowncthalloffame.com
In 1978 Joe Ferraro (DL) was a member of the Xavier team that went undefeated during the regular season and eventually finished with a record of 10-1. For his efforts that year, he earned Honorable Mention All-State honors and was named to the Hartford County Conference All-Star team. Ferraro was also a track star. During his sophomore year he broke the school record for the discuss (a record he bettered during both his junior and senior years). After high school Ferraro attended Boston College where he was a four year letter winner as a defensive lineman. As a senior, Ferraro started at defensive tackle and was named first team All New England. During his senior campaign he also won the ESPN Vitalis Award for his outstanding performance against Texas A&M on September 5, 1981. Following his collegiate career, Ferraro signed a contract with the Denver Broncos following tryouts with the Broncos, Browns, and Buccaneers. Ferraro's career ended in 1984 following a knee injury that he sustained during a pre-season game versus the New Orleans Saints.
