About the CFA Awards
Lou Conti Lifetime Achievement Award
Louis J. Conti’s contributions to Cornell University and Big Red Football have lasted a lifetime. One of the all-time great players in school history, Conti has provided tremendous support in time and resources since his graduation. It is for that reason that the CFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed in his honor in the Spring of 2004, an award Conti received in 2000.
The award recognizes former members of Cornell’s football program who, as a player, coach, team manager or special friend, have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the Big Red Football Program through their support, leadership and service over an extended period of time.
A 1941 graduate of the School of Hotel Administration, Lou personified all of the attributes of the CFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. A former player, coach, businessman and retired military officer, he had a positive influence on the lives of generations of Cornellians and friends of Cornell University.
As a player, Lou was a member of the nationally ranked teams of 1938, 1939 and 1940. He later served as an assistant coach under George “Lefty” James and the nationally ranked squads of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Lou has been a fundraiser and contributor to Cornell and the athletic department through the years, and his efforts in all aspects helped him become a member of the Cornell Athletics Advisory Committee and a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Recipients
1999 – Donald P. Berens '47
2000 – Daniel G. Sisler
2000 – Louis J. Conti '41
2001 – Peter Noyes
2001 – William F. Fuerst Jr. '39
2004 – Charles F. Knight '57
2004 – Richard Loynd '50
2004 – Albert Suter '57
2004 – Robert Staley '57
2007 – Ted Thoren
2009 – Richie Moran
2009 – Dave Wohlhueter
2010 – Rip Haley '51
2010 – Richard C. Jackson '56
2010 – John B. "Jacks" Rogers '45
2011 – Thomas MacLeod '70
2013 – Walter G. Bruska '50
2013 – Jim Hanchett '53
2013 – George S. Slocum '62
2014 – Richard Trumka
2015 – Frank Bradley '50
2015 – Mark Miller '84
2016 – Buck Briggs '76
2017 – Mark R. Allen ’74
2017 – George A. Arangio ’65
2018 – Vince Giarrusso '53
2018 – Terry Mallett
Joseph P. King Memorial Award
A tireless support of Cornell University and Big Red Athletics, Joseph P. King was the first person to receive the CFA Memorial Award when he was honored posthumously in 2000. Four years later, the award was renamed the Joseph P. King Memorial Award. It will continue as a tribute to deceased alumni and friends who made outstanding contributions to the proud tradition of Cornell Football.
A 1936 graduate of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, King played football for two season at Cornell, after two seasons at Nebraska. Upon graduation, he served the University by actively recruiting student athletes to play football, as well as many other sports. He championed both men’s and women’s sports and numerous academic programs. Along the way, he made countless friends across generations of Cornellians.
When not scouting or leading fundraising campaigns, Joe found time to serve Cornell with distinction as a Trustee, a Trustee Emeritus and a Presidential Counselor, the University’s highest honor. He served on many committees at the University, including the Advisory council for Physical Education and Athletics. A half-century after his graduation, Joe was enshrined in the Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986.
Recipients
2000 – Joseph P. King '36
2000 – Bernard "Bernie" Olin '24
2001 – Jerome "Brad" Holland '39
2001 – Harvey E. Sampson '51
2002 – Dick Schaap '55
2003 – Walter J. Matuszak '41
2005 – Gary Wood '64
2007 – Tom McGory
2008 – Jack Murphy
2009 – Stephen H. Weiss '57
2011 – Bob Dean '49
2011 – Ted Thoren
2011 – Bill Vanneman '31
2013 – Craig E. Lambert '72
2014 – Lou Conti '41
2015 – William J. Whelan '53
2017 – Phillip Ratner '66
2018 – Charles F. Knight '57
Fallen Comrade Award
The Fallen Comrade Award was established by the CFA in 2004. The award recognizes former Big Red Football Payers whose lives were taken before their time.
Cornell’s football heritage has a long and proud tradition that extends beyond victories and championships. Each year’s team develops its own unique chemistry and personality. Lifetime friendships evolve and lasting memories ensue. Each fallen comrade’s spirit and vitality for life are remembered and held in the hearts of their teammates and the CFA.
Recipients
2004 – George Wood '93
2006 – Jaime McManamon '07
2007 – Eamon McEneaney '77
2007 – Frank Santamaria '79
2007 – Make Tanner '79
2009 – Tom McHale '87
2010 – Enzo Montemurro '85
2010 – Jeff Stenstrom '98
2017 – Leo J. Reherman '88
2018 – James G. Popielinski '74