Are you a freshman and have no idea about the history of Cortaca? Or maybe you only watch football for the excitement and do not really know what’s going on? Read on to get all your questions answered.
What is Cortaca?
Known as the “biggest littlest game in the nation”, Cortaca has been bringing students together since 1930. The week leading up to the game is full of the most school-spirited energy you have ever felt, and the friendly banter between Cortland students and Ithaca students makes it much more entertaining. Cortaca was created from the yearly game between the two schools, and eventually evolved into what we know it as today. The Cortaca Jug comes from former football Cortland captain Tom Decker and former Ithaca captain Dick Carmean when they decided a trophy should be awarded. Tom Decker found a ceramic milk jug at a yard sale for two dollars in 1959, and since then the scores of the games have been added to it yearly. The original jug ran out of room, so a second one came along in 1985, and the current jug made its first appearance in 2016. The games alternate taking place at Ithaca or Cortland’s campus, but in 2019 the teams played at MetLife Stadium for the first time. This year, the game will take place at Yankee Stadium on November 12th, 2022.
Understanding football:
The very first thing to understand about football is that positions are very important. For offensive positions there are the following:
- Quarterback
- Running back
- Center
- Fullback
- Wide receiver
- Tight end
- Left/right guard/tackle
Defensive positions are:
- Defensive tackle
- Defensive end
- Linebacker
- Safety
- Cornerback
Football just like any other sport also has many different penalties that players can make, which will result in different outcomes depending on what it is. The point of the game is for one team to get the football from one side of the field to the other. This can be done by throwing, passing, or even running with the football. The average football game is about three hours, including halftime. Halftime is a good time to grab food or go for a bathroom break but is also an opportunity to watch the halftime show, which is usually a dance team or cheerleading team performing.
How to prepare to watch a football game:
If you are going to a football game for the first time, there are a few things you may want to prepare yourself for. Weather is a big one because football season is in the middle of the unpredictable season change. Being SUNY Cortland students we know to have our winter jackets one day and shorts on the next day, football games can be the same gamble. Be sure to bring a blanket or a seat cushion so your legs are not cold from the stands. Stadiums also get to be extra windy so earmuffs or a scarf is a good idea.
Snacks are great depending on where you are going. Some facilities do not allow outside food, but if they do you should definitely take advantage of that. Sometimes stadium food can be a little pricey, so bringing a cooler or a bag of sandwiches make everything better. If you are someone who likes to tailgate, this is also a great time to stuff your stomach.