A month into Isaac Collins’ tenure as Albright College’s head football coach that began in early 2022, Lions sports legend John Scholl ’69 asked him what he needed to help the program. After Collins requested new lockers so that each player could have their own, Scholl replied, “If we are going to do this, let’s do it right.”
The immediate funding by Scholl, who has been uplifting Albright Athletics for decades with his ideas and generosity, allowed the construction of a new locker room that rivals the facilities of Division I schools to begin right away.
“When we bring recruits to campus for a visit, the facilities hammer home the support of the college and the alumni,” said Collins, reflecting on Scholl’s dedication to the team. “It certainly helps set the table in terms of our commitment to the success of Albright football, and there’s more to be done.”
Having earned his Albright bachelor’s degree in accounting and as owner of Berks Construction and additional development companies, Scholl personally provided his expertise in overseeing the renovation design with Collins. Frontline features include custom-created lockers with USB ports and shock absorbent carpeting with antimicrobial features that prevent mold and mildew. When possible, local contractors were used for the locker room demolition and the purchasing and installation of new systems and services including HVAC modifications, electrical, lighting and painting. The transformation was completed in nine months with the help of Albright campus partners including facilities, athletics, public safety and project management.
“The first time we saw the renovated locker room we were blown away,” said linebacker Darien Osmun ’26, who is co-majoring in family studies and early childhood education. “We have top of the line facilities, and it really shows that donors and everyone here on the Albright campus are really invested in the football team.”
As a three-sport star athlete in basketball, track and baseball during his time as an Albright undergraduate, Scholl knows the discipline, accountability and team-building skills gained by being an athlete. He retains Albright’s record for the most points scored in a basketball game (54), was named the Mid-Atlantic Conference high-jump champion and was inducted into the college’s Athletics Hall of Fame. A long-standing benefactor to Albright and an emeritus Board of Trustee member, his legacy to his alma mater is widespread and includes launching the reconstruction of the Gene Shirk Stadium and establishing the Scholl Lifesports Center.
“I’m beyond grateful as a student, an athlete and a football player for what Mr. Scholl does for our program,” remarked Antwan Rogers Jr. ’24.
