Football Overview
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Philosophy
Tradition is entrenched in St. Sebastian’s football, as the football program fielded the original athletic team in St. Sebastian’s School history, kicking off its first season with the opening of school in 1941. The program fields four teams: varsity, junior varsity, third, and fourth. Cuts are not made on any level, and the program encourages inclusion and participation from the student body. St. Sebastian’s is a member of the Independent School League (I.S.L.), which is a part of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).
Players who come through the football program will leave with an appreciation of diligence, with a respect for players and coaches from St. Sebastian’s and its opponents, and with an education on how to play football with both the mental and physical capacities necessary to succeed.
History
The first era of St. Sebastian’s football began with head coach Vin Murphy leading the Arrows to a 5-3 record. From 1943-1976, excellent head coaches guided the program, including Henry O’Brien, Joe Guden, and Ed Sweeney. In 1977, Coach Sweeney led St. Sebastian’s to a 7-0 record in the School’s inaugural season in the Independent School League (I.S.L.). Since that impressive first season, the Arrows have earned a stellar 60% winning percentage in the I.S.L., including six League championships. Head coach Bob Souza took over the program in 1978, and he has been the face, backbone, and leader of the Arrows football team through the present day. Under Coach Souza, St. Sebastian’s has won five I.S.L. championships and has been to two NEPSAC super bowls (1994, 1999).
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Alumni
In the Coach Souza era, 73 players have gone on from St. Sebastian’s to play in college, including seven who have captained their collegiate squads. The levels of competition for the alumni include:
5 - Division IA
3 - IVY League
10 - Patriot League
5 - Atlantic 10 Conference
8 - Division II
1 - NAIA
26 - NESCAC
15 -Division III
Great Moments in St. Sebastian’s Football History
1941: The first interscholastic contest was against Shady Hill School of Cambridge that resulted in a 12-12 tie in 1941 with each team fielding six players.
1961: Under the leadership of Coach Tom Green and Captain Kevin Daley '61, the Arrows went undefeated for the season with a record of 8-0.
1967 & 1969: Head coach Henry O’Brien guides the Arrows to their first two championships, completing each season with an undefeated 7-0 record.
1977: St. Sebastian’s football enters the Independent School League (I.S.L.) and wins the I.S.L. championship with a 7-0 record under head coach Ed Sweeney.
1982: Head coach Bob Souza wins his first of five I.S.L. championships with a 6-1 record.
1982: In the last football game played on the old Newton campus, St. Sebastian's prevailed over an undefeated St. George's with a 7-6 win, leading to a share of the I.S.L. Title.
1994: The Arrows finish the season undefeated at 8-0. They lost in the New England Champsionship game to Holderness. Coach Souza was named "Coach of the Year" by the Dedham Transcript, and Chris Washington was named I.S.L. MVP.
1998: Running back David Greer ’99 rushes for a then state-record 433 yards on 23 carries with 5 touchdowns in a 41-22 victory over Milton Academy.
2001: Head coach Bob Souza wins his 100th game.
2001: Behind Sedale Threatt's 18-yard touchdown pass to Matt Borders on the final play of the game, the Arrows defeated Belmont Hill, ending Belmont's two year unbeaten streak. The Arrows went on to claim a share of the I.S.L. Title.
Coaching Staff
Bob Souza: Head Coach. Coach Souza was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1973, where he played defensive end and linebacker. He has been the varsity head football coach since 1978, amassing 119 wins and a 60% winning record.
Dan Burke '97: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers/Tight Ends. Coach Burke graduated from Dartmouth College in 2001, where he played receiver. He joined the Arrows staff in 2002.
Brian Richter: Offensive Line/Defensive Ends. Coach Richter graduated from The University of the South in 1979. Prior to joining the Arrows in 1987, he served as the head JV and assistant varsity coach at Tuscaloosa Academy in 1986 and coached the freshman team at The Salisbury School from 1979 to 1985.
Keenan Flynn '99: Receivers/Linebackers/Special Teams. Coach Flynn graduated from Georgetown in 2003, where he placed receiver. He joined the Arrows in 2003. Coach Flynn served as a student assistant at Georgetown in 2002.
Keon Webbe '00: Running Backs/Defensive Backs. Coach Webbe graduated from Amherst College in 2004, where he played running back. He joined the Arrows in 2004.
Mike Stratton '02: Offensive Line/Defensive Tackles. Coach Stratton graduated from Bowdoin College in 2006, where he played defensive tackle and served as captain. He joined the Arrows in 2006.