The Merrimack College football program has named 2017 Windsor Central High School graduate Cory Hagerman one of its captains for the 2020 football season.
Hagerman enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2019, tallying 9.5 sacks and earning NEC Defensive Player of the Week honors after the final game of the season against Long Island University. In that win against LIU, Hagerman had four sacks and 11 tackles. His 9.5 sacks on the season tied for the lead in the Northeast Conference.
“I guess it was a surprise (being named captain). I’m only a junior. But, I think people respect me and I work the hardest I can, so it’s deserved,” said Hagerman.
“Cory is the epitome of hard work. He has passion for the game and determined to excel at it. Cory is a very talented athlete but talent only gets you so far. He’s gotten to where he is through hard work and commitment to the game,” said WCHS football coach Tim Hogan.
The defensive end was a captain his senior year in Windsor, when he was a First Team All-State selection after setting school record for tackles (150).
“We were always leaders at Windsor. It’s not too big of a difference but it got me ready to take on more of a leadership role at Merrimack,” said Hagerman.
“He’s always been a motivator and all his teammates looked to him for guidance. He persevered through a torn ACL one offensive play into his junior year. He came back his senior year more determined than ever, breaking countless records on both offense and defense,” said Hogan.
As Hagerman prepares to take on a bigger role on and off the field at Merrimack for the 2020 season, he hopes that there is a 2020 season. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down spring sports at campuses across America, and questions loom over the fall season.
“We’re just treating it like we’re going to play. We’re basically training and working in the summer,” said Hagerman. “Honestly, each game on our schedule is a winnable game and so we want to compete. Personally, I want to be consistent game in and game out.”