Brian Hughes is not your average football coach. He is a man with a philosophy that reaches far beyond the field and the locker room. He is a unique blend of caring educator, veteran athlete, and successful coach.
On the heels of a successful coaching career at both Long Island University and Nassau Community College, Coach Hughes is set to lead Molloy University’s Sprint Football team into their inaugural season. He is currently recruiting athletes and building a roster for the team that will take the field for the first time in Fall 2024.
As Coach Hughes recruits for the team at high schools across Long Island, he speaks with athletes, athletic directors, and coaches.
“The response has been great,” he shared. “So many people are interested in the program. Sprint Football offers a way for smaller athletes to continue to play the game they love beyond high school. Historically, there are some tremendously talented players who never had the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level simply because of their size. Sprint Football fills a niche for Nassau and Suffolk County schools as well as those in the Catholic league.”
Sprint Football is played with the same equipment and rules as traditional college football with one significant difference—no player can weigh more than 178 pounds.
Molloy University is the newest member school of the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL). The league has been in existence since the 1930s and its member schools include Army West Point, Navy, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to grow a program from the ground up,” said Coach Hughes. “You
build a brotherhood through the struggle. It is amazing to watch as players realize the importance of committing to a cause greater than themselves.”
Coach Hughes has lived on Long Island most of his life graduating from Holy Trinity High School in 1979. He played football at Lafayette College before transferring to Hofstra where he earned a degree in geology. Additionally, he earned a master's degree in Earth and Environmental Science at Long Island University, taught at Kellenberg Memorial High School, and was an adjunct professor at a local university.
“I plan on creating a faith-based foundation for the team,” he said. “I believe faith is a unifying theme.”
When asked what his philosophy will be as he approaches this new opportunity Coach Hughes said, “I plan to use my platform to help young men define what empathy, compassion, and love are. And most importantly, I will challenge the players to become the greatest sons, uncles, husbands, and fathers—in that order.”
Coach Hughes lives in Bethpage with his wife and four daughters. Also of note, his sister (Catherine Hughes, ’85) was inducted into the Molloy Athletics Hall of Fame for her efforts on the softball field and basketball court.
Sprint Football General Q&A
What is Sprint Football?
Sprint Football is subject to the same rules as traditional college football. It is a full-contact sport that is played by athletes who weigh no more than 178.0 pounds. It is a club sport.
How long has the sport been in existence?
The Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL), which Molloy University is now part of, has been in existence since before WWII.
Are there other Sprint Football teams on Long Island?
No, Molloy is currently the only Sprint Football team in the Long Island region.
What other colleges and universities are part of the CSFL?
Army West Point, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Cornell University, Mansfield University, Navy, University of Pennsylvania, and St. Thomas Aquinas College.
How long is the Sprint Football season?
Sprint Football, like traditional football, is a fall sport. Each team in the league will play seven regular season games. There is also an additional championship game between the winners of the League’s North and South Divisions.
When will the team begin practices?
Practices will start in August 2024. Each team is allowed 16 practices before their first game.
Where will Molloy University’s home games be played?
Molloy’s home field will be located within the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale.
How many players are on a team?
A Sprint Football team needs 35 players but can have a maximum of 65 total.
Who is Molloy University’s Head Coach for Sprint Football?
Long Islander, and veteran football coach, Brian Hughes has signed on to be the team’s head coach. He will be joined by a staff of four assistant coaches.