At Springfield College, football goes beyond the field; it’s a foundation for building a lifelong brotherhood. Head Coach Mike Cerasuolo builds a culture rooted in personal relationships, accountability, and purpose. His philosophy ties success on the field to the bonds formed off it, shaping Springfield’s team culture into one of the strongest in Division III football.
“If we have the right people in the room, we will do special things on the field, but more importantly, off the field too,” Cerasuolo says. He emphasizes character development and camaraderie, creating a program where players develop leadership skills, accountability, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Foundation – Passion, Pride, and Purpose
Springfield’s football program revolves around three words prominently displayed on their locker room wall: Passion, Pride, and Purpose. These guiding principles drive the team’s culture.
“Whatever they do on and off the field, we want them to be passionate about it. That’s what drives success—not just in football, but in life,” explains Cerasuolo.
This trio of values—passion for the game, pride in the team, and a sense of purpose—guides players through their football journey. Cerasuolo aims to instill a mindset that players carry with them long after their playing days are over.
“We want them to live a life of purpose,” Cerasuolo says. “If football is the hardest thing they’ve ever done, they’re going to have a good life. We make it challenging and competitive because it’s not just about winning. It’s about developing young men who are ready for whatever life throws at them.”
Brotherhood Development Workshops
Cerasuolo embeds brotherhood into the team’s structure. He implemented Brotherhood Development Workshops to deepen the connections among players.
“When I took over, I wanted brotherhood to be at the core of everything we do,” Cerasuolo says.
Each night during preseason, the team covers themes like commitment, humility, or competitive edge. The workshops continue throughout the season, creating an opportunity for players to share their stories and support each other on and off the field.
“We believe a strong bond within the team will last longer than four years,” Cerasuolo explains. “We’re building something that will recruit future classes and create leaders beyond the football field.”
The Brotherhood Council
Springfield’s culture thrives with the Brotherhood Council, a group of leaders from all class levels. This council drives the team’s culture, ensuring leadership and accountability come from every player.
“The culture is driven by our players,” Cerasuolo says. “We want them to lean into each other and help each other reach places they couldn’t get to alone. That’s what brotherhood means to us.”
This approach makes leadership and responsibility part of the team’s DNA, regardless of seniority.
Your Story
Cerasuolo instills a tradition called “Your Story,” where each player shares their journey—how they got to Springfield, what matters most to them, and their goals for life beyond football. By their senior year, players present their stories to the entire team.
“Every Friday before a game, we gather as a team, and players present their stories. It builds trust and a sense of purpose beyond football,” Cerasuolo says. “When you know what your teammate is fighting for, you fight harder for them.”
This tradition deepens connections and reinforces that every player’s identity goes beyond football.
Brotherhood Beyond Football
For Cerasuolo, building brotherhood is about more than winning games—it’s about preparing players for life. The lessons from Springfield’s brotherhood culture extend beyond football, helping players in their personal and professional lives.
“Their lives won’t be defined by a scoreboard,” Cerasuolo says. “The scoreboard of life is much different from the one we see on game day. We’re preparing them for that bigger picture—because football ends, but brotherhood lasts.”
Cerasuolo’s commitment to character, relationships, and leadership has transformed Springfield College into a program that teaches players not just how to win, but how to live with passion, pride, and purpose.
Coach Mike Cerasuolo has built something special at Springfield College. By fostering a culture of brotherhood, he’s created a program focused on both winning and developing young men prepared for life’s challenges.
As Cerasuolo says, “Brotherhood means helping each other get to places you couldn’t get on your own.” And that’s exactly what Springfield College football is all about—building a legacy of brotherhood that extends far beyond the field.
D3 Head Coach and Staff of the Week
Mike Cerasuolo, Head Coach at Springfield College, Honored for Leading Team to a 76-7 Victory Over Husson University
The Coach and Coordinator Podcast, in collaboration with Modern Football Technology and Hansen Ratings, is proud to recognize Mike Cerasuolo, head coach at Springfield College, as the D3 Head Coach of the Week for Week 2. Cerasuolo’s team delivered a dominant all-around performance in their 76-7 win against Husson University, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive toughness.
Notable Stats:
- Springfield amassed over 600 yards of total offense, including a remarkable 557 yards rushing.
- The defense held Husson to just 238 total yards, allowing only 11 first downs and limiting Husson to just 25% on third downs.
- Springfield won the turnover battle 3-0, consistently capitalizing on Husson’s mistakes.
- The defense forced a 3-and-out on 8 of 12 drives, while the offense scored touchdowns in 3 or fewer plays on 6 occasions.
Cerasuolo’s balanced game plan, combining explosive offensive execution with relentless defensive pressure, paved the way for one of the most comprehensive performances of the week. This performance earned him and his staff the title of Head Coach and Staff of the Week.
