Introducing 'Ernie Davis Legends Field at the Carrier Dome'
10/1/2009 2:19:10 PM | Football
To honor one of its most inspirational icons, Syracuse University is naming the field in the Carrier Dome 'Ernie Davis Legends Field'. The ceremony will be held during a halftime of Syracuse's football game against West Virginia on Saturday, October 10. This tribute to the 1961 Heisman Trophy winner comes a year after he was honored on film in the Universal Pictures movie, “The Express”, which premiered in Syracuse on September 12, 2008, and was inspired by Sam and Carol Nappi, who stepped forward with the idea and the gift.
“We are very grateful to the Nappi family for their extraordinary generosity in recognizing the inspirational life story of Ernie Davis,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “Their naming of the field in his honor and recognizing all of the legends who have competed for Syracuse athletics is a tribute that is of the highest of honors. They have ensured that the legacy and impact of Ernie Davis to society will never be forgotten.”
A trailblazer on and off the field, Davis was a conscientious student, a quiet and unassuming leader, and gentleman who touched many lives. He is a true role model for Syracuse University student-athletes, who have carried on the standards he set for work ethic, social responsibility, and perseverance.
“The Syracuse University football teams from 1959 to 1961, led by Ernie Davis, were comprised of men of many different ethnic backgrounds, but they were one team with one spirit. They were united as students of Syracuse University, citizens of the United States, and human beings in striving for a better future,” said Sam and Carol Nappi. “It is our hope that Ernie Davis Legends Field at the Carrier Dome will remind people of the courage, athleticism, honor, dignity and grace of a man and his teammates who gave their all to make this world a better place. Ernie Davis Legends Field at the Carrier Dome is America's field.
“We know that the men and women using Ernie Davis Legends Field at the Carrier Dome will go forward in the spirit of athletic excellence to provide our community with dozens of new sports heroes who will carry on the legacy of all student-athletes who have come before them. We thank you, again, for the honor of presenting this important symbol of sports freedom and diversity.”
Nestled in the heart of the Syracuse University campus, the Carrier Dome field plays host to the 11-time National Champion men's lacrosse team and the Orange football and women's lacrosse squads. It has been the site for many amazing moments in Syracuse Athletics history, including 112 football victories, 177 men's lacrosse triumphs and 79 women's lacrosse wins. The Carrier Corporation presented the naming gift for the building prior to its opening in September, 1980. The dedication of the football field is enabled by an amendment to the original Carrier Dome naming contract with Carrier Corp.
“We congratulate Syracuse University for taking the Carrier Dome to this next level of excellence,” said Carrier President Geraud Darnis. “The Carrier Dome is such an important asset for the community, we are proud to do our part to build on its tradition with the Ernie Davis Legends Field at the Carrier Dome.”
