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Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania is not exactly what anyone would refer to as a college football powerhouse. The Division III program competes in the Landmark Conference, which was just founded in 2023.
But when they start the 2025 season on Sept. 6, the Warriors will be must-watch TV because of one player: 58-year-old Tom Cillo.
Yes, you read that right.
58-Year-Old Tom Cillo Is The Oldest Position Player In College Football History
In 2011, Alan Moore became the oldest player to ever take part in a college football games when he kicked for Division III Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama.
But with all do respect to Jones and his accomplishment, Tom Cillo isn’t just some kicker.
The Williamsport native, who graduated high school in 1984, never went to college. Instead, he began a career with the city and also competed in strongman competitions. Four decades later, he earned a spot on the Lycoming football team, where he is expected to play on the defensive line.
Cillo, who checks in at 6-feet tall and 227 pounds, is excited for the opportunity.
“I would say probably in the past, I could come up with about 137 reasons not to do it and just walk away,” Cillo told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. “I feel like I reached a point where I need to start finding reasons to say,’you know, how can I do it and why should I do it?’ and I’ve gone down that path.”
Tom Cillo Is Working His Butt Off To Play College Football At 58 Years Old
But make no mistake, this isn’t a charity offer from the program. Cillo is out here to bust some heads!
“I’m ready to grind together. I’m just excited to be a part of this and part of a team setting and because football, you can make the argument it is the ultimate team sport,” he said. “…Is it going to be easy? No, definitely not. It’ll be one of my greatest challenges in my life, but I’m prepared to meet the challenge and give it everything I got.”
Cillo’s much younger teammates are also happy to have him around.
“He is not your average 58-year-old. He’s out running sprints at five in the morning,” defensive back Mario Samony said. “I think as soon as he gets here, he’ll set a standard not just for the year, but upcoming years, that this is how bad you have to want it. If we can get everyone to work like Tom, be as disciplined as Tom, we will be a really good group.”
So while you’re out watching the Bryce Underwoods and Jeremiah Smiths of the world, maybe spare some time to try to check out a Lycoming Warriors game and witness a bit of history.