Paly is celebrating the newly named Earl Hansen Stadium on September 9th to honor the coach who inspired and understood football players as not only athletes but valuable players. 

Mike McNulty, a Paly legend who taught and created the Sports Literature course and Infocus broadcasting, was an educator alongside Hansen. McNulty believes Hansen is an incredible leader who deserves the recognition he’s been given. 

“He couldn’t walk from the gym to the quad without getting stopped,” McNulty said. “That’s just the kind of guy he was; everyone wanted to talk to him because he understood people.”

Hansen was a strong coach, even leading his team to a State Bowl championship against Centennial in 2010. But beyond that, he was a leader for the students, both on his team and off. He exemplified the virtues of good sportsmanship and kindness that he preached to his players and was always there for students who needed support. 

“He was a good coach, strategy-wise, but he was an even better role model,” McNulty said. 

The ceremony will be held prior to the varsity football game this Saturday against Sacred Heart School. Hansen will be present, as well as many other members of the community. The new stadium bears his name on the bell tower above the southern entrance to the stadium as well as the gate above the student entrance.

With Hansen’s legacy cemented on the field of the program that he impacted so much, Paly students for years to come will know his name and continue to honor his legacy.