Fathers and Sons

Patrick Sodl

I know Fathers Day was two weeks ago, but for longtime Columbia Football fans this is a special weekend to think about fathers, sons, and legacies. 

On Saturday, rising HS senior LB Patrick Sodl announced his commitment to the 2022 incoming Columbia freshman class. 

His name should sound familiar because Patrick is the son of Matt Sodl '88, one of the best and most inspiring defenders in Lions football history. 

Matt was also unfortunate enough to never enjoy a varsity win despite his amazing talent and effort. Matt's story is so emotionally powerful that every video you see or story you read about Columbia's infamous 0-44 losing streak of 1983-88 includes a profile of Matt and especially his amazing final home game performance against Dartmouth in 1987.

Matt Sodl & Jake Novak, 2007

Despite all that, no one has been a more loyal football alum for Columbia than Matt has been over the decades. He's also become a personal friend.

Of course we can't know what kind of college career Patrick will have. But I'm looking forward to every varsity win he participates in that I know will be enjoyed the most by his very proud dad.  

Cameron Carter

Of course Columbia is currently enjoying the fantastic play of another legacy in DL Cameron Carter, son of Matt Sodl's teammate Hector Carter '88. But since Cameron is already a 5th year senior, he won't be Patrick's teammate in 2022. 

Mason Tomlin

Speaking of fathers and sons, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin's son Mason Tomlin will hopefully see the field for the Lions this season. If he's good enough to make the travel team, perhaps his dad will be in the stands to watch Mason in the October 22 game at Dartmouth* when the Steelers have a bye week. Hopefully, Coach Tomlin will also get a chance to see his son play at Wien Stadium in NYC a few times as well over the next 3-4 years. 

*(Yes, I know that game is still officially scheduled for 10/23, but you can bet on it being moved to Friday night for the NBCSN national broadcast the ESPNU national broadcast)

Now that I'm about to see my first child go off to college, these kinds stories resonate strongly for me. But when it comes to the Sodls, you'd have to be ice cold inside not to feel the emotional weight,