The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation (AFAAC) and the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation today announced the establishment of the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment for the Falcon football program in honor of former head coach Fisher DeBerry. 

AFAAC and the Association & Foundation will collaborate to raise an initial $2.5 million for the DeBerry Endowment, which will support top priorities of the football program.

“This is an important time for Air Force Football, and the need for private investment has never been greater,” said Air Force Director of Athletics Nathan Pine. “Coach DeBerry has positively influenced countless cadets throughout his incredible coaching career, and his legend is woven throughout the fabric of the Academy and the Colorado Springs community. Coach DeBerry understands the need to increase resources for our football program to continue to compete successfully on the national stage, and through this effort we will be able to honor him and his legacy with a statue at Falcon Stadium. A statue for this remarkable man seems only fitting as a visible representation of the profound impact he has had on the Air Force Academy and will continue to have here long into the future.”

“Air Force Academy cadets have chosen a life of service,” said Mark Hille, USAFA Class of 1997 and president and CEO of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation. “At the Academy, military training, academics and athletics all work together to develop the warfighters, leaders of character and critical thinkers our Air Force and Space Force require to defend our nation. We are honored and excited to celebrate Coach DeBerry’s legacy and engage our graduates and community through this initiative to support our Academy.”

Fundraising efforts will continue beyond the initial $2.5 million goal, creating a consistent source of support for Falcon football and an impactful opportunity to make a difference on and off the gridiron. In recognition of the fundraising effort, a statue of Coach DeBerry will be placed at Falcon Stadium. 

DeBerry served as head coach at Air Force for 23 years, retiring on Dec. 15, 2006. His mark on the program, the Academy and college football is unmistakable. He led 17 of his 23 teams to winning records. Twelve captured a bowl bid, posting a 6-6 record. His career record of 169-109-1 is the best in Academy history in terms of games won. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2011.

Those who are interested in learning more about the project or contributing to the DeBerry Endowment can contact the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 or giving@airforceathletics.org or the Association & Foundation at 719-472-2047, giving@usafa.org or usafa.org/DeBerryEndowment.