National Football Foundation

A football man through and through, Alex Rotsko continues to leverage his experience in every facet of the game as a player, coach, and administrator to make a positive impact on the young people playing football in Western Massachusetts, instilling the same values in the next generation that have made him a leader in the community.
 
Founded in 1962, The Western Massachusetts Chapter held its 47th annual scholar-athlete banquet this spring, and Rotsko has been involved for nearly three decades. After joining the chapter in 1980, he immediately became one of the group's most active participants, and in 2000, he became the chapter president. The rest is history with the Western Massachusetts Chapter reaching new heights in membership and community recognition.
 
The chapter holds solid relationships with all the local high schools, prep schools and the many colleges in Western Massachusetts, as well as the Springfield area football officials. The chapter boasts an impressive list of events, including its annual scholar-athlete banquet which is held on the campus of the UMass Amherst and attracts more than 400 people.
 
In 2001, the chapter joined forces with the NFF Central Mass Chapter to stage the "Chowder Bowl" with the top players from each region playing in an All-Star game that benefits the Shriners Hospital for Children. The game has raised more than $50,000 to date. The chapter also runs a 16 team summer passing league for high school players and sponsors numerous football clinics.
 
"The total experience working with the National Football Foundation has been great," said Rotsko. "The highlight for me though has been our chapter working with the Shriners Hospital to put together the "Chowder Bowl" All-Star game for seniors. It's two great organizations working together with a common goal, helping young people reach their potential."
 
A Boxford Mass native, Rotsko played at Springfield College, graduating in 1974. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Ithaca College. He then landed at American International College as an assistant coach before becoming the school's head coach from 1983-1992, tallying a 52-46-3 record. Since 1993, Rotsko has been head coach at Longmeadow High School, winning 79 percent of his games with a 149-31 record. In 2008, he added athletics director to his list of responsibilities at the school.
 
Rotsko currently lives in Hampden, Mass., with his wife Eleanor.