The Alma Mater of a Nation: The Alma Mater of Steelers Nation

Even this die-hard Cleveland Browns fan has to give Mike Tomlin (class of 1995) props.  On Sunday, Tomlin coached the Pittsburgh Steelers to a record-breaking sixth Super Bowl title and in so doing, he became the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl and the second African-American coach to win the big game.  Tomlin, a Newport News, VA native, played football for the College in the early ’90s and has remained connected to his alma mater.  William & Mary even got a shout-out from announcer Al Michaels during Sunday night’s broadcast.

As the 2008 Commencement speaker, Tomlin said, “Whatever it is your heart’s desire to do, you can do…your experience here has sharpened your sword for battle.”  Tomlin went on to say that “Life is more than the scoreboard, it’s how you play.”  Well Coach Tomlin’s scoreboard reads victory.  He has played amazingly well in his short tenure as Steelers head coach.  He is William & Mary’s modern day founding father.

– Wendy Livingston