WCU Football Field Is Named in Honor of
Robert Tomlinson '70
and Tom Fillippo '69

West Chester University began a new chapter in its rich athletic history at the 2024 Homecoming game: The University has officially named its football field in honor of two distinguished alumni, Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson ’70 and Tom Fillippo ’69. Both men are celebrated for their accomplishments on the field and their commitment to WCU long after their days as student-athletes ended.

Football has been an important part of the West Chester University experience for more than 100 years. The Golden Rams football program, which dates to the late 1800s, has cultivated a proud tradition of excellence. The team boasts a strong pedigree in NCAA Division II, with multiple Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championships and bowl appearances, including the prestigious Tangerine Bowl in both 1966 and 1967.

Farrell Stadium, on the University’s south campus, has been the home of the Golden Rams for decades. The naming of the field reflects WCU’s desire to honor the contributions of two men who have left an indelible mark on the football program and the University as a whole, said Dr. Zebulun Davenport, WCU’s Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs.

“The dollars raised from this project will help provide young student athletes at West Chester the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” he said. “I know first-hand that is so important to both Senator Tomlinson and Mr. Fillippo. The goal is to raise $500,000 to support student scholarships and athletics operations.”

Tomlinson was a standout player during his time on the football team. He played a pivotal role in helping the team secure the 1967 and 1969 state championships, co-captaining the ’69 squad. Known for his leadership on the field, Tomlinson’s contributions to the program have continued long after his playing days.

Tomlinson went on to have a distinguished 32-year career in public service, serving as a Pennsylvania State Representative from 1990 until 1994 and then as a Senator from 1995 until 2022. His efforts in the state legislature helped improve education and healthcare in his Bucks County district and the broader Commonwealth. He’s also been an active supporter of WCU — he is the current chair of the University’s Council of Trustees and has been since 2020 — and supports various initiatives to strengthen the athletic programs.

“West Chester University has been a part of my adult life for as long as I can remember,” Tomlinson said. “The lessons I learned as part of the football team — teamwork, resilience, leadership — have stayed with me throughout my career. To have my name associated with the field where so many Golden Rams have given their all is incredibly humbling. It’s a reminder that the values we learn as athletes carry us far beyond the game.”

Like Tomlinson, Tom Fillippo’s time as a Golden Ram had a lasting impact on both the football program and his own career. Fillippo was part of the same era of success for WCU football, playing alongside Tomlinson in the Tangerine Bowl and contributing to the team’s conference championships. His on-field determination translated into a successful career in business as the president and CEO of Devault Foods, one of the most trusted and recognized names in the meat production and processing industry.

Fillippo’s commitment to WCU has remained strong over the years. He has served on the University’s Council of Trustees, including serving as chair from 1998 to 2019, and played an active role in fundraising efforts to support the football program. His leadership with Tomlinson in the “90 Years of Football” endowment campaign helped ensure future Golden Rams would have the resources needed to compete at the highest level.

“I’ve always believed that my experience at West Chester shaped the person I became,” Fillippo said. “The lessons I learned on the field guided me throughout my career and my life. Being able to give back to the University that gave me so much is one of my proudest achievements, and having the field bear my name alongside Tommy’s is a true honor.”

University President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky said naming the football field in honor of Tomlinson and Fillippo is a powerful recognition of the lasting contributions both men have made to the WCU community.

“It is incredibly fitting that the field where generations of Golden Rams have given their best will now bear the names of two alumni who have consistently given their best to this University,” she said. “Tommy’s and Tom’s commitment to West Chester University and their support of our students, particularly our student-athletes, is unmatched. Their legacy will continue to inspire future Golden Rams to pursue excellence both on and off the field.”

And making the announcement at the Homecoming Game? That’s just a winning play.

 

Pictured with Rammy at Homecoming, during which the football field was named, are (L-R) Terry Beattie, WCU director of athletics; Thomas W. Fillippo ’15, president and CEO of Devault Foods (Tom's son); Tom Fillippo ’69, honoree; Dr. Zeb Davenport, vice president for university advancement and external affairs; Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, WCU president; Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson ’70, honoree; Kathleen “K.C.” Tomlinson, PA state representative (Tommy's daughter) with Landry; and Maddie Tomlinson (Tommy's other daughter) with Connell.