by: Clara Belle Lefton '12 | Photo Gallery

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (May 4, 2012) - The Mount Holyoke College athletics community came together for its inaugural flag football game on Sunday. The 40-minute Lyons Bowl took place behind Creighton Hall at 1:30 p.m. and was the product of a collaboration between the College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Club Sports Council.

Players and event staff came from both varsity and club teams. Tricia Chase '12 scored three touchdowns and was the game's unofficial Most Valuable Player. The senior particularly enjoyed the flexibility of the recreational game.

"I play on two different teams, so it was cool to play with teammates from both (basketball and field hockey) at the same time for once. Also, recreational sports are so much fun. I wish we had more events like this for the student-athletes and general student body alike. It’s just fun to get out there and play and be active," explained Chase, who grew up in a family full of football fans.

The initial concept for the game came forward at a SAAC meeting last year, but this year the SAAC Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee moved the idea forward. To purchase equipment, Flynn Vickowski ’14 and Haley Streibich ’12 put together the Inclusiveness Initiatives Fund grant proposal.

"The biggest challenge in the planning of the event was probably realizing how quickly the date was going to sneak up on us," said Vickowski, a New England Patriots fan and former powderpuff football player.

"We didn't want deadlines too far in advance, but we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the event. Another difficulty was just dealing with the basics of a first time project and seeing what was going to work, what wasn't and how many people were likely to show up."

After the flag football opportunity was announced to the athletic community, both competing teams formed through interested athletes using their personal Facebook accounts. In future games, the organizers hope that participation will increase to allow for a multi-game tournament.

"With more teams participating in the future, I think flag football or similar games will be a great way to increase athletic spirit and recognition across campus," said soccer team member Hannah Yee '15. "We'll be back with a vengeance next year for sure."

To create a better experience for next spring, Vickowski and Streibich are compiling an evaluation of the event. Some student suggestions were including the athletics staff, as well as team jerseys. Next year, SAAC will reevaluate the Lyons Bowl and propose how to go forward. By Senior Week, the equipment will be available at the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex information desk for permanent student use.

"I would definitely do it again," exclaimed basketball captain Christine Chancy '12. "If you have a flag football game for alums in the future, I'll be there for sure!"