LIU Post to Dedicate New Field to 9/11 FDNY Hero and Alum
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2014) - On Saturday, Sept. 6, LIU Post will dedicate the field of its new Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium in honor of Durrell "Bronko" Pearsall '92, a former star football player for the Pioneers and member of FDNY Rescue 4, as well as the Hempstead Fire Department, who perished in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001.
Alumni, family, friends, and the Long Island community are invited to the dedication ceremony and opening day at the new home of the Pioneers. Events will begin at noon.
A member of the FDNY and his own hometown Hempstead Fire Department, Pearsall was also a drummer in the FDNY Emerald Society Pipe Band. The Band, his FDNY friends and hundreds of local fire fighters, elected officials, and family members are expected to attend. Following the dedication, the LIU Post Pioneers football team will take on the East Stroudsburg University (Penn.) Warriors.
The stadium was made possible through a corporate partnership and naming gift from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the generous support of more than 150 alumni and friends. New bleachers add more than 3,000 seats to the stadium.
Along with Pearsall Field (made possible by a donation from Peter Gibson '82), the first phase of the project also includes the Naro Family Scoreboard (B. Christina '85 and Salvatore '83 Naro) and the Rosalie Nuti Memorial Park (made possible by Michele and William Nuti '86), a grassy expanse that will serve as the hub for athletic, alumni, and community events.
"The opening of the Bethpage Stadium marks a significant milestone in advancing our athletic program," said Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of LIU. "We are grateful for the generosity of those who supported the Pioneer Spirit Campaign and made this transformation possible."
The state-of-the-art sports facility will be home to student-athletes from LIU Post's NCAA Division II football, lacrosse, and field hockey teams.
"This is an exciting day for the Pioneers as we celebrate the opening of our new stadium," said Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach
Bryan Collins. "In addition, as we approach the 13th anniversary of 9/11, it is fitting that we honor the memory of Bronko, a former Pioneer football star, and a hero who selflessly lost his life that day."
"Bethpage couldn't be more thrilled to support LIU Post and its superb Athletics Department," said Kirk Kordeleski, President and CEO of the Bethpage Federal Credit Union. "The new stadium will surely help move LIU's athletic program forward and while also providing a wonderful entertainment destination for both the student population and local communities."