The Ferrum Football team welcomed back former Black Hats and longtime supporters to campus April 11, for the first annual spring game, a celebration centered on reconnecting generations of players and honoring one of the program’s top seniors.
The event brought together nearly 70 years of former Black Hats, alumni, coaches, and supporters to strengthen ties with the current team and highlight the program’s future as Ferrum continues its transition into its second year of Division II football.
Head Coach Kevin Sherman, a Ferrum alumn himself, addressed the returning players and supporters about the direction of the program and the importance of building lasting relationships between past and present generations of Black Hats.
“This will be a long process, but we do not want to rush this process to play catch-up with established programs,” Sherman said.
Sherman emphasized that reconnecting alumni with the current roster is about more than football, saying those relationships can create life-long opportunities for players after their careers end.
“Connections are a big thing,” Sherman said. “We want to hear your stories about the alumni playing days, and a big plus is that alumni can help our Black Hat family with connecting with jobs for the future generations to come.”
The spring scrimmage gave fans, alumni and future recruits an early look at the Panthers as coaches evaluated leadership, depth and execution heading into summer workouts and the fall season.
Supporters filled the stands while signed recruits attended after their campus visits to watch their future teammates compete. Athletic Director Cleive Adams added to the atmosphere by providing live play-by-play commentary from the field.
During halftime, graduating seniors were recognized for their dedication to the program and received plaques from the coaching staff.
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Big Green Award, one of the highest honors in Ferrum Football. The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies courage, hustle, and desire on and off the field.
Established in 1971, the award honors the Ferrum Eight, who died in the 1970 Marshall University football team plane crash involving the Marshall University football team.
Senior safety Ian Ashworth of Galax, Virginia, received the 2026 Big Green Award after building a career marked by leadership, academic success, and production on the field.
Ashworth earned multiple ODAC and academic honors during his career and recorded 52 tackles during his senior season.
“Winning the Big Green Award means a lot to me, as it’s something I strived for since freshman year, and being able to leave my legacy with such a prestigious award is truly an honor,” Ashworth said.
Sherman said Ashworth’s character made him the clear choice for the award.
“His attitude stood out for this honor, but not just that. His off-the-field work ethic and his giving back to the community made him perfect for this award,” Sherman said.
For Ashworth, the honor represents more than individual success–it reflects what being a Black Hat means.
“It was truly an honor to be able to wear the black helmet and have Ferrum across my chest every Saturday for four years,” Ashworth said. “I will never take for granted what Ferrum offered me and the lessons it taught me along the way.”
Saturday’s event marked more than the end of spring practice. It served as a reminder that Ferrum football’s foundation is built on generations of Black Hats whose legacy continues to shape the program today.
