UMass Boston

Brian Leahy is known as the "Godfather of Boston State CollegeFootball". Following a two-year football career at Boston CollegeBrian joined the United States Marines, and then earned his degreefrom Boston State College in 1971. In the time he spent with theWarriors, he was the driving force behind the school's footballprogram becoming a reality. Leahy, who was the BSC StudentGovernment President in 1969-70, gained approval from AthleticDirector James P. "Gus" Sullivan and the Board of Trustees to begina football program with entry on the club level for the 1970season. He raised the funding, solicited players, secured playingfields and developed a schedule, all while leading the team as anoffensive lineman. He was named the Captain and Most ValuablePlayer for the team as well. His vision became a reality thefollowing season when the Warriors were granted NCAA varsity statusfollowing his graduation. Leahy also competed as a heavyweight forthe 1970-71 wresting squad that finished with an 8-5 record and asecond place showing in the New England State College AthleticConference Tournament. He received his Master's Degree from BostonState as well and in the 30 years before passing away in January of2009, he was the Retirement Director for the Massachusetts WaterResources Authority, Manager of Mayor Kevin White's Little CityHall in Dorchester, a community activist in Neponset and alegendary Coach in Dorchester youth sports. Known as the" Mayor ofDorchester, he could also be seen making his traditional New Year'sDay swim with the L Street Brownies in his beloved DorchesterBay.