November 08, 2024
Review

Woman manages Husson football

BANGOR – It was Jenna Sevigney’s destiny to become the first female manager of a Husson College football team.

That destiny was determined at an early age through the Sevigney family rituals that included the setting aside of every Sunday afternoon in the fall to watch professional football on TV with her parents, William and Kelley Sevigney.

The ritual was extended to Monday Night Football as well, and it was then that the future New England School of Communications student fell in love with the game.

Sevigney and football arrived at Husson at about the same time, with Sevigney seeking a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus in radio broadcasting, and Husson seeking to start a popular, attention-grabbing sport from scratch.

“Since the start of the program I have gotten to know many of the players and their families. In fact, when recruits come on campus I’m usually introduced to them. I guess I’m kind of a mother hen to many of them,” Sevigney said.

So, after broaching the idea to some of her football-playing buddies, Sevigney approached head coach and athletic director Jon “Gabby” Price last summer about the possibility of becoming the team’s manager. Price, who in all his years as a football coach at Bangor High School and at Husson had never had a female manager, quickly agreed to the proposition and he’s very happy he did.

“She’s a great asset to the program. She is a very positive human being with great timing so that when she is needed, she is there. I just wish I could talk to her more,” said Price.

As the manager, Sevigney takes on tasks ranging from helping videotape practice sessions to fielding footballs drilled through the uprights at practice sessions. She also helps get equipment together, prepares water for players during games, keeps players’ rings and bracelets safe during practices and runs any errands the coaches request.

A personality-plus individual, Sevigney sometimes goes by the nickname of Lil’ Pie, given to her by her boss at an Ogunquit restaurant because her features resemble her late uncle – who carried the nickname of Pie because he was a huge fan of Boston Bruins hockey player Pie MacKenzie.

At Wells High School, Sevigney played field hockey and was described by counselors as having “the highest levels of energy and vigor” – qualities that have made her an outstanding football manager.

She will be a senior at NESCom next semester and plans to become a radio on-air personality. “I love music and I love to talk,” she said.


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