Dan Fallon, of Manchester, New Hampshire, came to Plymouth State as a first year student four football seasons ago. A well-known high school football player in southern New Hampshire, he chose Plymouth State for many different reasons. He lost his brother in 2002 to a battle with cancer; so being within an hour of home was comforting for him as he began his years as a Panther at PSU.
Fallon was honored his first year as the Freedom Football Conference rookie of the year. His junior year, he was named captain for the season, and for his senior season he had a Pre-Season All-American nomination. The Plymouth State football team begins their season in a new conference, the New England Football Conference. For the past two seasons they were independent playing an all non-league schedule. Plymouth in the past has had a rich history of football. Since 1970, PSU has had over 230 wins along with 25 seasons over .500. Since 2002, the Panthers have yet to have a .500 season, going 0-10 in 2003, and winning one game in 2004. We asked Dan why he has stuck with this seemingly failing program, if he has any regrets playing a division three sport, and if this season could be any different from the rest.
The Clock: First of all, why did you choose PSU? You were a really good high school football player and this program was really going in the wrong direction.
Dan Fallon: Along with my personal reasons after losing my brother, I felt I could start here. I could have gone to Springfield and at the time, they were ninth in the nation. I chose Plymouth because I hoped to help rebuild this program and restore this tradition of winning.
The Clock: Why do you think other people chose PSU?
Fallon: Football-wise, we have a great tradition. I think people want to turn this program around. This is also a nice school – the campus and all.
The Clock: What helped you stay focused during your first year at PSU?
Fallon: We struggled. I kept with it. I ended up being the Freedom Football Conference rookie of the year. It was a long season. I love football, which is why I stuck with it
The Clock: What was it like to not be in a conference for two years?
Fallon: It seemed we played a lot of games just to play. Games still meant a lot, but we basically needed to have a perfect season to make it to any post season. With a conference, you can work to get in the conference play-offs.
The Clock: The other seniors on the team have gone through all the games and practices with you, you guys must be close?
Fallon: They are all great guys. Good friends, and I’m glad I went through this with them. They are good football players too.
The Clock: How did you feel when you heard you were voted Pre-Season All American?
Fallon: I was surprised, we haven’t had the best records, but it was an honor. Although, I would rather win more games.
The Clock: What does it mean to your team being in a conference?
Fallon: We are now competing to be in the playoffs. Each game is more pressure. We are 0-2 right now, but have yet to play a team in our group in the conference.
The Clock: Do you have any superstitions?
Fallon: No, but I have gone back to writing my brother’s initials on my gloves; I did that in high school. We went undefeated senior year.
The Clock: What is your team goal for the rest of the season?
Fallon: We still have a chance in the conference; starting out 0-2 is rough, but I hope we can win some games and start playing better.
The Clock: Even though you guys haven’t had the best of records, do you think you still get support from school?
Fallon: We may not get the biggest crowd, but people definitely care. Teachers and administrators are always wishing us luck. The student body may not come to every game, but I’m sure they want us to win. Other athletes come to our games and some work them. They know what it’s like to have rough games.
The Clock: What advice would you give future PSU football players?
Fallon: Throw your high school egos out the window. I would also tell them to be patient and stay with it.
The Clock: Would you consider playing another sport in college?
Fallon: Football has always been my first love, so I stuck with football. I would probably play lacrosse if I didn’t play football.
The Clock: Would you go back and do this again, was this worth it?
Fallon: Everything I’ve done in life, there has always been something I’ve wanted to change a little bit. We may not have had the best seasons records-wise, but I have learned a lot. We have practice everyday, we go to classes like every one else here but we always have meetings and lifting and everything else. I have a special bond with my teammates and you can never replace those memories. This season isn’t over yet, but I can say from now I have learned so much about commitment and I know that will carry on in life. I hope to win the rest of our games, but even if we don’t, I’ll know that these memories can’t be replaced along with the people I have met. I am more then proud to say I have played four years of a college sport. It is something a lot of people can’t say.