Konrad Continues Colgate Family Tradition

His father played at Colgate, and so did his grandfather and cousin. And in a year, his younger brother will be a Raider, too.

For as long as Luca Konrad ’30 can recall, Colgate has been a popular subject at his home in Endwell, N.Y., a town about an hour south of the campus. At family gatherings, he often heard stories about the University.

One thing he heard many times was how his family members loved Colgate. And how they came away with memories that have lasted to this day.

Now, Konrad, an outside linebacker, will have stories of his own to add to the discussion at the next family gathering, as he is set to begin his college career as one of 20-plus first-years with Colgate Football.

Konrad said he’s thrilled to continue the family tradition. 

“I am super pumped for this opportunity to be a Raider,” Konrad said. “Growing up my whole life, I’ve been a huge Colgate fan. I’ve always been around the program due to my family history. When I decided I wanted to play football in college, I knew I wanted a great academic and athletic school.”

Colgate was at the top of the list when Konrad began his college search. Nevertheless, he considered other colleges as well. Despite his family’s history with Colgate, his relatives wanted him to explore his options and choose a college that was right for him.

“They stayed very neutral,” Konrad said. “They wanted me to go wherever it was best for me. They didn’t put any pressure on me. They wanted me to make my own decision not based on any history, only off of what felt right. That’s what it came down to — the campus, the coaches, the players, the team.”

The Colgate football staff saw Konrad play in high school and were impressed with his abilities and good character. He was invited for a tour. After meeting the team and talking to football head coach Curt Fitzpatrick, Konrad said he was sold on Colgate.

“As soon as I talked to the coaching staff, I knew this was the place where I wanted to be. Coach has a great program. He’s built something very special here. As soon as I talked to him and the staff, I knew this was a culture I wanted to be a part of. This place definitely feels like home.”

The family is thrilled with his decision.

His grandfather, Joe Konrad ’67, who was an offensive lineman with the Raiders, broke down into tears when Luca Konrad told him he was going to Colgate.

Luca Konrad said his grandfather has been a huge inspiration for him as a football player. As a kid, he began playing soccer. His grandfather influenced him to give football a try. When Luca Konrad started playing football regularly, his grandfather tried to help him become a better player.

Rain or shine, his grandfather always showed up for his games. 

Colgate has also played a big role in the lives of other members of the family.

Luca Konrad’s father, Christopher Konrad ’94, played four years on the men’s lacrosse team. He was co-captain as a senior. At family gatherings, he often spoke of his positive experience at Colgate and how he made friendships that have lasted to this day. 

John Frieser ’04, Luca Konrad’s cousin, was a starting tight end on Colgate’s undefeated and nationally ranked football team in 2003.

Frieser, who will be inducted into the Colgate Athletics Hall of Fame later this year, went on to become a social studies teacher at Luca Konrad’s high school, where he also coaches football.

And then there’s Luca Konrad’s younger brother, Marco Konrad, who has committed to play football at Colgate. He will join the Raiders in a year as an inside linebacker.

Luca and Marco were teammates on the high school football team under Frieser’s tutelage and will be reunited on the field at Colgate.

“My brother is a year younger than me,” he said. “He went through the recruiting process, the same rounds as me. As much as I wanted him to go to Colgate, I wanted him to pick what’s best for him. We are both excited to play together again and bring a championship to Colgate.”

Luca Konrad said he plans to major in economics, a subject he selected because of his interest in business. He joined the football team in late June and has spent the summer training and bonding with his teammates.

“Everyone on the team has been awesome,” he said. “That’s one thing that has surprised me the most — how close the team is. There is no sense of senior here, freshman there. That’s a championship winning culture.”

And now, with official practices underway, Luca Konrad is looking forward to the start of the season at Fordham on Aug. 28.

“I want to be an impact player,” he said. “I want to make plays and help the team win anyway possible — and be a positive influence and player for this program.”

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