For Dan Lonergan, growing up watching Boston College football every Saturday was the norm. Just years later, Longeran’s dream of playing at Alumni Stadium in front of nearly 45,000 will become a reality.
The Ipswitch, Mass., native committed to play football for his dream school just a couple weaks ago.
“Boston College has been my dream school ever since I was young,” said Lonergan. “The tradition, the culture, and the academic excellence BC has to offer is incredible.”
Dreams to reality! Ever since I was young I dreamed of this day. Extremely blessed and thankful to announce that I have a received a walk on offer from Boston College! Thank you to the BC coaching staff! #WeAreBC 🦅 pic.twitter.com/URJjAllOUk
— Coach Dan Lonergan (@Lonergan796) April 10, 2020
Lonergan’s commitment to be an Eagle was an easy one. Lonergan said after touring the campus in March, he fell in love with the community. “It was awesome to see Doug Flutie’s Heisman trophy. I was just amazed by the school. BC felt like home.”
A fan of BC Eagles football his whole life, Lonergan watched quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons and now-retired linebacker Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers play on TV every Saturday. “I wanted to fulfill my dream someday and wear the Eagles uniform just like my favorite players.”
Lonergan’s senior year at Ipswich High School was tough. Not having the best grades and not meeting the requirements of some schools academically, Lonergan had multiple offers from Division III schools but no Division I programs. After accepting an offer to play at Dean junior college in southern Massachusetts, the school switched to a Division III program during Longergan’s freshman season. Redshirting his freshman season, Lonergan worked hard on and off the field. The defensive end accumulated 15 total tackles and nearly three sacks while allowing just 13 yards in 15 games played for the Bulldogs. Lonergan led Dean to a conference championship while earning dean’s list three years in a row (2016 to 2019) and academic honor roll in 2019.
Eyeballing the Boston College sports administration grad program after graduating from Dean, Lonergan was accepted to his dream school after a long process. “My parents and I were so thrilled. I had just gotten accepted into my dream school, and one of the most prestigious schools in the country.”
But football for Dan Lonergan wasn’t forgotten.
“I immediately thought about football. Since I had an extra year of eligibility from redshirting, I decided to take a shot and enter the transfer portal.”
Lonergan reached out to the Boston College football coaching staff and his shot worked out. Lonergan was offered a preferred walk-on spot as a grad transfer at his childhood dream school.
But Lonergan isn’t finished chasing his dream. “I hope to be the best player I can be and improve my game in all aspects at BC. I’m going to be a sponge at BC. I’m going to soak up as much knowledge as I can.”
It is unknown as to when Boston College will start up its summer camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic but Lonergan is ready to play for his dream program once the opportunity becomes available.
“To anyone who has dreams and aspirations of playing for their dream school, my message to you would be to never ever give up. Be the hardest worker in the room whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the weight room.”
Lonergan iterates that there will always be doubters, always people telling you that your goals are impossible, but to block out the noise, keep your head down and work so hard that your success is your noise.
Lonergan is blessed for the opportunity given to him by the BC coaching staff and gives credit to Ipswich High School coach Kevin Fesette and his Dean College coaches and teammates for believing in him when others didn’t. Lonergan says his parents taught him and his brother from a young age that “good things will come to those who work hard.”
Excited to become an Eagle and continue his journey, Lonergan is “extremely grateful” to have support from his friends and family throughout his entire journey.
“Always follow your dreams because one day after it’s all said and done you don’t want to look back and have any regret. Take advantage of every opportunity to do what you love and go be great.”
