Macalester College Football Parents Association

The Macfpa came into being with the last game of the 2005 season. Frank and Karen Szewczyk wanted to do something for the boys after a dismal 0-8 season. A handful of parents brought tables and cookies and the local Pizza Hut in Ripon, Wisconsin, delivered pizza right to the team bus. We established an informal tailgate and the rest they say is history. The smiles on the players and athletic staff after the game was priceless.

Starting with the 2006 season the Macfpa started to crawl. Frank and Karen Szewczyk along with the help of Bob and Sue Hanks created a post-game atmosphere where players, family, and friends could meet. We held post game meals of sloppy joes, pizza, subs, cookies, chips, and fruit. Food, hugs, and smiles were on the program win or lose. The Team finished 2006 2-7 under the new staff and things were looking up! In a small way we started to help change the atmosphere of Mac Football.

If we crawled in 2006 we learned to walk in 2007. The menu expanded to a Chicago style buffet of beef, chicken, and mostocoli. Homemade beef and sloppy joes also made the table. We sold sweat shirts to parents and friends and thunder sticks to whoever wanted to make some noise. A big thanks to the Boomgaardens, Cheryl Lyons, the Westcotts, Michelle Engstrom, the Slobes, the Hanks, and the Lois family. The season record was 4-5 and the Macfpa was firmly established in the life of the college. At season's end the college established the Frank Szewczyk Award named and awarded to Frank Szewczyk as founder of the Macpfa. The award goes to the parent/friend who makes the most positive and consistent contribution to the program over the course of the season.

2008 proved to be a wonderful success under the leadership of Shanna Boomgaarden (2008 Frank Szewczyk Award winner), Alan Goldberg, the Westcotts, and Michelle Engstrom, with a big hand from Mark Boomgaarden. A meal or snacks were provided after most games. We received our first $1000 donation which enabled us to purchase game jerseys to give to our seniors. The donations of goodies and water exceeded expectations. The post game dinner at University of Chicago saw over 135 players, family, friends, and alumni dine together on a beautiful October day. 2008 will be known as the year we became of age.

What did 2009 bring? Overwhelming support from parents and the coaching staff. The Macfpa was able host the team to some bowling after during training camp. Several home cooked meals were served after games and snacks handed for travel back to Mac. A big thanks to Shanna Boomgaarden who served as our leader and guide. Nick and Valda Westcott coordinated food and goodies. Alan Goldberg kept track of the books. Michelle Engstrom helped coordinate spirit wear. Thank you! Thank you! to all who served as leaders and to all who brought food and water to the games.

2010 should be another great year. We encourage all parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, as well as friends to join the Macfpa. Our success depends on your generous giving of your financial resources and volunteer efforts.

The best has yet to come.

Go Mac!!!!!!!!!!