About the Program

The Bowdoin College football program is nearly as old as the sport itself. Established in 1889 as a varsity program, the Polar Bears have played football for 119 seasons. A member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference, Bowdoin plays against some of the most competitive teams in the country, and enjoys storied rivalries with both Bates and Colby. The Bowdoin-Colby rivalry is the third-longest rivalry in Division III history, having been played 122 times dating back to 1892 (a 56-0 Bowdoin victory). The Bowdoin-Bates game is the 10th longest Division III series, dating back to 1889 (a 62-0 Bowdoin win).

Bowdoin is considered the "Cradle of College Football in Maine", having been the first intercollegiate football squad in the state. For decades, the Polar Bears were part of the fabled Maine State Championship Series along with rivals Colby, Bates and Maine-Orono. Bowdoin was the crowned State Champion nine times prior to 1965, when U-Maine made the jump to Division I. The state championship teams of 1935, '36, '37, '40, '42, '49, '52, '60 and '63 leave a lasting legacy for the current Polar Bears to strive towards.

Football at Bowdoin provides student-athletes with the rare opportunity to combine a competitive athletic experience with a top-rate education. Over the past few seasons, head coach Dave Caputi has incorporated a sense of renewal and excitement around a young, athletic squad. The team plays its home games at Whittier Field, on the campus of Bowdoin College. Built in 1902, Whittier Field is one of the most storied football stadiums in New England, seeing over 400 games in its existence. For more information about the Bowdoin football team, contact Head Coach Caputi at dcaputi@bowdoin.edu.

Bowdoin, as all other NESCAC teams, play a conference-only eight-game schedule and do not participate in the NCAA Division III Football Tournament.