Former Titans quarterback, Familia joins the staff as Vice President, while completing his graduate semester in Sport Management, at the State University of New York College at Cortland (SUNY Cortland). As the Titans’ newest trustee, Familia (Coach Fam) will be assisting coaches, helping to develop and mentor players, focusing on team development, strategic planning, and enhancing and developing social media platforms.

Familia served as the Sport Management Club President which is Cortland’s largest student body organization. He has been involved with both minor and major league professionals. One of his recent programs was “Meet the Pros” where a “pro” would engage in an interview and discussion with the club members. Additionally, Familia worked as a Football Manager for the Division III Cortland Red Dragons, assisting with film, equipment and football operations.

Coach Fam is happy to be reunited with the Titans, and is looking forward to the upcoming Spring 2021 Season. He is looking to develop himself as he furthers his career in the sports industry.

Familia’s Achievements & Accomplishments

• 1st Recipient of the Titans President’s Scholarship
• Suzanne Wingate Memorial Scholarship for Sport Management
• Donald Spampinato ’84 Scholarship for Student Leadership and Sport Education
• James F. Casey ’50 Scholarship
• McKee ’69 Educational Opportunity Scholarship
• Civic Engagement Leadership Award
• Prof. Fraser Stokers Exemplary Service Award
• Men of Value and Excellence Award
• S.C.A.L.E. (SUNY Cortland Achievement & Leadership Excellence) Workshops
• Mount St. Michael Academy Legion of Honor Award
• Joseph Frances Holland III Memorial Scholarship
• Good Shepherd Christian Service Award
• Recreation Sports Facility Building Supervisor (SUNY Cortland)

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (District 10) attended the Van Cortlandt Titans annual awards banquet on February 1, 2020. Mr. Rodriguez spoke words of encouragement and presented a NYC Council Proclamation to the team, congratulating them on winning the New York City Youth Football League intermediate division championship.

The Van Cortlandt Titans (3rd place) prevailed over the Queens Falcons (1st place) on November 17, 2019 at the NYCYFL Intermediate Division Championship game, at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, winning 28 – 20 in overtime. The Titans overcame a 14-0 deficit for a hard-earned comeback victory.

Since its founding in 2012, this is the Titans’ second championship game, and their first championship win.

Christian Alba (#88) has been a Titan since 2016, and a straight A student at Facing History High School. In 2019, he won a coveted National Merit Scholarship. He is also active in the Restorative Justice Leadership Program, college courses in John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and representing his high school through open houses and recruitment fairs.

Christian scored his first career touchdown in the November 2019 playoff game. Watch it here:
https://youtu.be/z65Hc7H5Pvc

Congratulations to Malik Bennett and Johnny Rivera, who shared the $500 annual President’s Scholarship. Malik is a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY; Johnny is a freshman at Keystone College in LaPlume, PA. Both are on the football team.

About the President’s Scholarship

In 2019, the Board of Directors of the Van Cortlandt Titans will award one five hundred dollar ($500) scholarship to a former Titans player entering college for the Fall 2019 semester.

From the applications received, the candidate will be judged based on tenure with the team, academic performance, demonstrated leadership, attitude, character, diligence, responsibility, maturity, and physical and mental improvement.

Former Titans who wish to be considered must apply for the scholarship by August 15, 2019. To be eligible, the candidate must have graduated high school and committed to attend an accredited college for the Fall 2019 semester. The winner will be notified by email in mid-August. A check for $500 will be presented to the winner at a practice in late August.

To apply, please email or hand in the following information to Mitch Gershonowitz (susan_gellert@yahoo.com):

• Your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address.
• Your new college student ID number (you will receive an ID after you accept the college’s offer).
• Proof you will be attending college or university in the fall. You can submit a dorm housing assignment, matriculation letter, course registration, tuition bill, or any other official announcement. A college acceptance letter is not enough.
• A transcript of your high school grades, from ninth through twelfth grade. If a transcript is not available, submit all report cards.
• An essay, maximum 500 words, that answers this question: “How did your experience as a Titan prepare you for college and adulthood?”