The Westchester Gridiron Classic: A New Westchester Tradition Takes the Field

A new tradition took root today in Westchester County as Monroe University and Pace University came together for the inaugural Westchester Gridiron Classic at Pace's Northwell Stadium.

The event brings together two Westchester institutions through football, with Pace competing as an NCAA Division II program and Monroe currently transitioning toward NCAA Division II athletics. While Monroe has not yet attained NCAA membership, the matchup offered an opportunity to celebrate the University's continued athletic evolution while creating a new tradition shared by two institutions in the county.Students, alumni, families, fans and supporters from both universities came together for the first chapter of what the institutions hope will become a signature annual event.

The inaugural Classic also served as First Responders Appreciation Day, adding another community-focused element to an afternoon centered on bringing people together.

On the field, Pace came away with the victory, while the Mustangs' Dimitri Grieb provided Monroe's points with a 27-yard field goal. Benogo Diaby recorded a career-high eight tackles, and quarterback Zavry Ward completed 9 of 15 passes without an interception.

But the significance of the day extended beyond the outcome. The first Westchester Gridiron Classic established an annual meeting between two universities with deep ties to the county and created a shared event around which their communities can gather each fall.

For Monroe, the Classic carries an added significance as the University continues its transition toward NCAA Division II athletics. Sharing the field with an established Division II institution such as Pace provided a natural setting to celebrate that journey while connecting Monroe's athletics community with another university in its own backyard.

The Sept. 12 game was the first chapter. In the years ahead, the Westchester Gridiron Classic has the opportunity to become something larger: a recurring celebration of college athletics, community and the connections between two Westchester institutions.

Next year, the game will come to Monroe. We look forward to hosting!