New London — The Coast Guard Academy football team will pay tribute to a former cadet-athlete and friend of the academy, Bob Flynn, during the 2015 season. Flynn, a member of the Class of 1974, served as the Chairman of the Board of the Coast Guard Foundation starting in 2008 until his death in February of this year.

The Bears will wear a special decal on their helmets this season in Flynn's memory, featuring his initials and a ribbon depicting his favorite symbol, the Coast Guard Tartan print.

Members of his family will also serve as honorary captains during the pregame coin toss for Coast Guard's season opener on Sept. 3, when the Bears play at home against Anna Maria at 7 p.m.

"We will always remember Bob and look forward to honoring his service to and relentless advocacy on behalf of the academy at halftime of the home opener against Anna Maria College," said Tim Fitzpatrick, Coast Guard athletic director said in a press release.

The season opener marks the first Thursday opener for Coast Guard and the first night game the Bears have played at home since a 42-21 win over Mass. Maritime on Sept. 21, 1996.