Autumn brings about numerous yearly traditions: for some, it’s carving pumpkins and apple picking. SUNY Cortland’s Intramural Sports is using the change in seasons for a different custom that all students can get involved in: fall football leagues. And it’s only the beginning of the excitement.
Football is a staple for many in the fall, whether it’s watching their favorite team competing, participating in a fantasy league, or just lounging around with the game playing on a Sunday afternoon. Students anticipate this time of year annually. With 53 men’s flag football teams and 3 women’s teams, it’s a great way that students are getting involved on campus and connecting with others that can happen for years to come.
One intramural team, formerly known as “It’s Joever”, is now adapting and taking on a new twist for this season, doing it “All Joever Again”. Dylan Andrews, a sophomore adapted physical education major and one of “All Joever Again’s” vital team members, shared his thoughts on this year’s flag football program. “This year they seem to have it run more organized with more experienced referees. It’s a good time, and I look forward to it every year.” Andrew continues, “This year, it is meeting up to its high expectations.”
As he stated, it’s a time that people are optimistic about that all students can join. The regular season for 2024 runs from September 8th to November 3rd, followed by the single-elimination playoffs until there is a league winner. Qualifications for playoffs consist of meeting a minimum sportsmanship requirement, playing the required number of games, and does not forfeit. Typically, each team has about one game per week, but the schedules can fluctuate, and there are optional additional games as well.
It’s not just players who look forward to flag football season. Ginger Gacio, a sophomore economic business major, intramural sport referee, and friend of mine I met during flag football, spoke about her views on the start of the flag football sport duration. “As a referee, I love watching students have fun and connect through intramural sports! It’s awesome to see everyone work together, make new friends, and just enjoy the game.” It’s a meaningful time for people to bond over the seasonal sport. Although the team registration deadline has passed for flag football, free agent positions are still open for those wanting to join an existing team. Anyone can make their own teams for an intramural sport. Speaking from a personal standpoint, fall football holds some significance in my life. It has always been a part of my family traditions and something I was always excited for. Last year, I partook in flag football here, and it felt nice to have a piece of home here that I value so greatly with me at school while also creating new friendships over common interests.
So, yes, while the season has just begun, there’s still other ongoing events happening around campus to commemorate the beginning of autumn. And perhaps those special moments and meaningful celebrations are the most important traditions of fall – whether it’s found in jumping in a pile of leaves or reaching for an interception. As for right now, it looks like on SUNY Cortland’s campus that many are scoring touchdowns during this change in the weather.