W & J Wide Receiver And Clarion Area Alumni Cody Hearst Plays Football In Italy (07/04/16)

The Washington & Jefferson College football team traveled to Italy in May for an international competition against the Ancona Dolphins in San Marino.  The Dolphins compete in the Italian Football League Division I as well as the Italian Federation of American Football. W & J won the game against Italy’s undefeated Ancona Dolphins 53-15.

(Photo provided by the Hearsts) Cody (Back Row, far right) with other W&J and Dolphin players

(Photo provided by the Hearsts) Cody (Back Row, far right) with all the other W & J and Dolphin wide receivers

The Presidents departed from Pittsburgh International Airport on Sunday, May 22nd and returned home Wednesday, June 1st.

After arriving in Rome, the Presidents took a walking tour of the “Eternal City”., including sites like the Pantheon and the Roman Colosseum.  On Tuesday, May 24th and Wednesday, May 25th they stayed in the Tuscany Region of the Siena, Montecatini Terme and Florence.  On Thursday the team practiced before departing for Bologna.  On Friday the team went to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, before they traveled to San Marino on Saturday, May 28th the day before the game.  On Sunday morning the team traveled to Ancona for the game.

The following day, the team made its way back to Rome.  The squad toured the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Members of the Coaching staff including head Coach Mike Sirianni, the Defensive Coordinator, Offensive line Coach, Associate Athletic Director, Head Athletic Trainer and Equipment Manager as well as 45 players made the trip.

The NCAA allows member institutions to participate in foreign tours for each sport once every three years.  All travel to and from the foreign country must take place during vacation periods.

This fall will be Cody’s third year playing for the Presidents at W & J College. W & J football opens up the 2016 regular season at Cameron Stadium in Washington, PA on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Wooster at 1:00pm.

(Thanks to Christine Hearst for this article and photo.)