Meet Tom Cillo: 58-Year-Old Freshman and Devoted Raiders Fan
At 58 years old, Tom Cillo is pursuing his long-held dream of becoming a college athlete. Enrolling at Lycoming College, he aims to play football while fulfilling his goal of obtaining a college degree.
Tom Cillo: A Freshman with a Passion for Football
Cillo’s journey back to academics comes after a 41-year hiatus from the classroom. His motivation stems from a lifelong dream to play sports at the collegiate level, specifically football. Despite the inherent challenges, including physical, academic, and financial risks, Cillo is determined to make this dream a reality.
Facing the Risks of Returning to College
As a 58-year-old freshman, he understands the risks involved. “There’s obviously a physical risk at my age,” Cillo admitted. He recognized the potential for injury both on the field and off. Inspired by his trainer’s perspective on life and time management, Cillo decided to move forward with his plans.
- Physical Risk: Playing football at 58 carries health concerns.
- Academic Risk: Returning to learning after four decades poses challenges.
- Financial Risk: College education comes with significant costs.
A Dream Inspired by a Football Legend
Cillo is particularly excited about playing on the defensive line, a position inspired by his favorite NFL player, Howie Long. He fondly recalls Long’s style, noting, “He was so quick and he could turn speed to power.” Although he humorously refers to himself as “the world’s most overaged and undersized nose tackle,” Cillo’s enthusiasm for the game is genuine.
The Journey Ahead
Tom Cillo’s story is an incredible reminder that age should not be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. He exemplifies that with determination, it’s never too late to chase aspirations. Now, as a student-athlete at Lycoming College, he strives to balance academics and athletics in a bid to live out his passion for football.
