A Unique Player at Lycoming College
Age, they say, is merely a number, and it certainly applies to one standout player at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania: a defensive lineman who is 58 years old.
This player, originally from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, took an unusual route to join the college football scene, with neither academics nor athletics being the focal point of his early life. He had aspirations to play college basketball, but those plans were interrupted by personal challenges, particularly with alcohol.
“I thought I’d try this and, uh, write a script,” Cillo shared with a local news outlet. “I’m not really going to chat about it or let anyone hold me back.”
With a 33-year career in the city’s street division, where he climbed the ranks to become a general manager, Cillo has also enjoyed a lovely family life and the comforts of a 9-5 job. Still, after a short stint as a custodian at a local high school and some officiating for basketball games, he found himself yearning for something more challenging.
Division III Lycoming College has a 58-year-old freshman defensive lineman. In the 1980s, he left high school football and took a different path, working in the streets and parks department for over three decades. Now, he’s pursuing his dream of becoming a college football player. pic.twitter.com/r1dt3b8rqq
– Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 18, 2025
Through a connection, Cillo approached head football coach Mike Clark with his enthusiasm about joining the team. Initially hesitant, Clark soon recognized Cillo’s determination. Cillo has openly discussed his past challenges with alcohol, which previously sidelined his basketball dreams. This experience has fueled his dedication to fitness and his studies, as he now majors in criminal justice.
Mario Sammony, one of his teammates, characterized him as a “beast.” He remarked, “In the weight room, he’s impressive. He can handle a lot of weight and even deadlift. I’ve seen him pull a fire truck. It’s inspiring and encourages the rest of us to lift harder.”
Currently, Lycoming is 0-2, and although Cillo has yet to see game action, he remains optimistic, hoping that his moment on the field will come soon.
