St. Lawrence University has an abundance of traditions that date back to the University's earliest years. A new campus tradition was born over Reunion Weekend, one that will honor the memory of a distinguished alumnus and provide current members of the football team with a tangible link back to the team's success in the mid-1970s. The dedication also included a bench under a tree that overlooks the football team's practice field. Affectionately called "Luca's Lounge" by the Saints' coaching staff, it will be a place for linemen to gather before practice.

Ron "Luca" Pelligra '76 is considered one of the legendary rocks of the St. Lawrence University football and wrestling programs. He earned All-America honors in both sports during his time in Canton and was the national wrestling heavyweight champion in 1976. It is only fitting that the newest tradition on campus invokes the memory of Pelligra through a physical rock.

On June 4, 2016, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, a large group of friends, alumni and family members gathered to dedicate a memorial honoring Pelligra's legacy at the player's entrance of Leckonby Stadium. At the top of the memorial sits a rock that was originally in the base material of Weeks Field that was uncovered during renovations. St. Lawrence football players will pass by this rock on the way to the field before the start of each game as well as after the halftime intermission.

"The players will all touch the rock as they enter the stadium," said Head Football Coach Dan Puckhaber. "It will be our way of punching the time clock, so-to-speak, in final preparation for the start of a game and to refocus as we return to the field after halftime."

That is a time clock that Pelligra punched more than a few times during his illustrious career at St. Lawrence.

"Ron and I were both recruited by Head Coach Ted Stratford as All-State football players from Syracuse," said Peter Hewitt '76, former co-captain and middle linebacker who organized the recent tribute and celebration. "I roomed with Ron for two-and-a-half years at St. Lawrence and at the Toronto Argonauts training camp in the CFL after we graduated in 1976. Ron was an absolute beast on the field – almost unblockable as a dominating defensive tackle."

Ron helped solidify the St. Lawrence football program that produced 13 winning records in 14 seasons through the '70s and early '80s.

"Touching Luca's Rock will become a powerful ritual for the team and anyone else who walks next to it – symbolizing good luck, and honoring a man who clearly was a rock in his own unique and legendary way," Hewitt added.

The plaque affixed to the base of the rock at Leckonby Stadium reads:

Ronald J. "Luca" Pelligra '76 (1954-2013)

Ron was one of the greatest football and wrestling All-Americans at St. Lawrence. He brought leadership, intelligence, strength, and a will to succeed as well as anyone in SLU history. His enormous legacy will live on forever.

With love from family and friends

Dedicated June 4, 2016

Pelligra was a leader on and off the field with many fellow student-athletes looking up to him as an example of how to compete and how to be a proud member of the campus community. He also represented the beginning of a pipeline of football players and wrestlers to come to St. Lawrence from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, many of whom turned out to have a huge impact on both programs during that era.

"He was not only one of the greatest athletes in St. Lawrence history but also had a great attitude and was respected all over campus," said Puckhaber. "He made everyone around him better and he just had that presence about him. My hope is that our current and future players will strive to be like him and the rock is a constant reminder of the goals they should be aiming for."

As a football player, Pelligra was a feared defensive player; as a wrestler he was equally feared. He was the first national champion in any sport from St. Lawrence, winning the 1976 wrestling title in the heavyweight division. He won the title match in dramatic fashion, defeating Erland Van Lidthde Jeude, a towering 6'6" and nearly 400-pound super heavyweight from MIT, in a 4-1 decision. His career record was 93-7-1, including a 38-2 record as a senior.

The dedication also included a bench under a tree that overlooks the football team's practice field. President William L. Fox '75, who knew Pelligra as a student, loyal alumnus and an extraordinary human being, spoke of Pelligra's character and of how much he cared about St. Lawrence. President Fox often watches the football team practice, and he said he will think fondly of Pelligra when he sits down on the bench to watch the team prepare for their next game this fall.