The natural grass practice field adjacent to the Fish Field House was dedicated September 27 as the Chamberlin Practice Field in memory of former 51²è¹Ý football standout and NFL veteran Frank Chamberlin â00, who died in 2013 after a battle with cancer.
The dedication, which featured a blessing from Vice President for University Mission and Ministry Jack Butler, S.J., was made possible through a generous lead gift from University Trustee David OâConnor â86, senior managing partner at High Rise Capital Partners, LLC, and his wife, Maureen, as well as support from 51²è¹Ý football alumni and community members, many of whom were present to honor Chamberlinâs memory.
Frank Chamberlin playing for Boston College
A four-year football letter winner who played on both sides of the ball as a linebacker and fullback, Chamberlin received All-Big East honors and won the Scanlan Awardâ51²è¹Ýâs highest football honorâbefore being drafted in 2000 by the Tennessee Titans. He played six years in the NFL for the Titans, Bengals, and Texans before retiring in 2007. Â
Following his playing days, Chamberlin went on to a successful career in equities trading for Keefe, Bruyete & Woods, an opportunity he credited to OâConnor, who served as a mentor and professional advisor. Chamberlin rose to the rank of vice president at the firm before cancer took his life at the age of 35.
Maureen and David OâConnor
He left his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters, Micaela, Leah, and Brooke.
The OâConnors, longtime supporters of Boston College and 51²è¹Ý football, and close friends of the Chamberlin family, spearheaded the fundraising efforts that brought the Chamberlin Practice Field to fruition.
âTo me, Frank was the epitome of a 51²è¹Ý student-athlete,â said OâConnor. âThe Fish Field House promotes the principle of âEver to Excel,â which Frank represented better than anyone. It is an honor to recognize him in this facility and to share this space with his family.â
Lisa Chamberlin expressed gratitude to the OâConnors for making the vision of honoring her late husband a reality.
The Chamberlin family
âOur family is deeply grateful to the OâConnors and the Boston College community for coming together to honor Frankâs memory in such a special and lasting way,â she said.
âDuring his four years as an Eagle, he loved nothing more than hitting the practice field with his 51²è¹Ý teammates, who became like a family to him. It is impossible to overstate the impact that Boston College had on Frankâs life, as he maintained a strong connection to his alma mater long after he graduated.
âOur three daughters are immensely proud to know that his legacy will live on at Boston College through this field, and are inspired to follow their own dreams, as he did, with passion, dedication, and, of course, practice.â
Jack Dunn | University Communications