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© 2008 CC
History of the Cardinals
In the anniversary edition of the Cardinals 25th year, their motto was "25 years of Excellence". A portion of the motto, still stands true today, "Excellence". Since 1947 the name Cardinals has been affiliated with Chambersburg in one way, shape or form. Starting with the original independent Cardinals, that played at Henninger Field, until they ceased football operations in 1955. The main reason for disbanding the team was the difficulty in scheduling quality teams. During 1947-1955 their biggest rival was the Waynesboro Tigers. The Cardinals finished their nine seasons with 70 wins, 17 losses and 6 ties.
In 1968, after being inactive for 12 years, reborn were the Cardinals. Entering an expansion franchise known as the IFL (Interstate Football League) and then moving to the Seaboard League in 1971. This move placed the Cardinals in competition with higher caliber teams. In 1973, the Cardinals earned the Seaboard League crown, but in 1974, ceased operations again in mid season with a 4-3 record. In a home game in 1974, the Cardinals hosted the Boston Colonials. With 4,000 fans in the stands, the lights failed and the fans were sent home without a rain check. Hence, community resentment set in and this led to the short season.
Needing a self-imposed exile, the Cardinals decided once again to return to the football field in 1976. Again playing in the IFL. Over the next 10 years the Cardinals would be no stranger to national honors. In 1978, averaging in excess of 48 points per game, and a flawless 14-0 record, the Cardinals could find no one to challenge the national recognition and became self-proclaimed national champions. Also, in 1978 the Cardinals cousin, the Chambersburg Minuteman, joined the MDFL (Mason Dixon Football League) and won the first MDFL league championship. In 1980, Pro Football Weekly named the Cardinals national co-champions along side the Pierce County, Tacoma, Washington after a perfect 16-0 season.
In January 1983, the Inquirer Magazine, (an insert in the Harrisburg paper) had the headline "Forget the Super Bowl!" and showed a picture of the Chambersburg Cardinals, in the back of trucks riding down Washington St. in Chambersburg. The parade was given for the Cardinals winning the 1982 Championship against the Chicago Lions, which was hosted in Trojan Stadium. The game was played on the climatic day of what, then, Chambersburg Mayor Sam Ferraro proclaimed "Chambersburg Cardinals Week". Probably the principal issue to remember here was not the NFL strike, bur the fact that these players played the game for love, not money. At that game alone, there were over 5,000 fans in attendance. A night that most longtime residents of Chambersburg surely remember.
Those were the days of the practices at Memorial Park, the dimly lit field, an old rusted house trailer used as a locker room, and the men who loved the sport and lived the 'Fantasy'. Still, it was real, it was exciting and it was Chambersburg. Chambersburg was once described as the surviving example of the kind of town America perfected. A place of morality and clear consciences. The sense that this was the meaning of community. As for the team, well, certainly not six-figure salary men, but construction workers, truck drivers, carpenters, and sales executives that worked an eight hour day, then dressed for practice, bought their own equipment, did not get paid for the game, and played this young boys game for two reasons, Cardinal Pride and the love of the game. In the late 80's the Cardinals, managed by the Chambersburg Athletic Club, once again faded away. Leaving most with a triumphant memory and a legacy to be remembered always.
In 2002, the Cardinals were back again. The idea and the dream to keep this tradition alive was no easy task. A group of young men, all with the desire to coach or play the game they loved, began the Cumberland Valley Cardinals. By word of mouth and some local advertising, they managed to put together a roster of young athletes and began the trek into Semi Pro football. Practicing after work, getting to know teammates, and going through all of the growing pains that any new team feels, was well worth it. In 2007 the Cardinals moved back to Chambersburg. Back home where they have felt very welcomed by the local businesses and community. All this in hopes to never ever leave again.