Flag football season is just around the corner at CUAA and the historic Pigskin Hooligans franchise will be entering its 12th season of competition. The Hooligans are the defending champions from the 2016 season, having gone a perfect 3-0 last year. The franchise has won 3 of the last 5 championships dating back to 2012 and has appeared in 7 of the last 8 championship games dating back to 2009. Captain Mike Russell has worked to coordinate with CUAA Student Activities to promote the league and participation looks set to explode this year. There are at least 6 teams on record so far and possibly as many as 8 teams could end up in the league. We are still uncertain of the exact league structure until the number of teams is finalized. to promote the league and participation looks set to explode this year. There are at least 6 teams on record so far and possibly as many as 8 teams could end up in the league. We are still uncertain of the exact league structure until the number of teams is finalized. The Hooligans are projected to play this Sunday (Oct 29) at 3:00pm against the Wamp Rats. This year’s edition of the Pigskin Hooligans will look a bit different from last year with only 2 returning members from the 2016 championship team. Captain Mike Russell brokered a blockbuster deal in the offseason with co-captain Danielle Thompson, merging teams to create a championship-caliber squad. There will probably be more roster additions but let’s take a look at the 2017 Hooligans roster so far: (players listed alphabetically by first name according to number of years played, after captains:) Danielle Thompson (co-captain), freshman, 1st year Hooligan - Danielle will be a key addition to the Hooligans this season, serving in a leadership role as co-captain. She brings an athletic background to the team as a member of CUAA’s women’s golf team. Danielle has played flag football in the past and brings a competitive spirit and keen knowledge of the game. She had this to say on joining the team: “I am just excited to get out there and play football!” Mike Russell (co-captain), staff, 12th year Hooligan - Captain Russell returns to lead the Hooligans this year, retaining eligibility as a Sports Information Assistant after graduating grad school last year. Russell has worked hard in the offseason to assemble a competitive roster that can contend for a title. On the field he has worked to improve his game, catching 1 touchdown last year. Russell had this to say: “I am glad things worked out so that I could stay at CUAA and I am proud to lead this team on another title run!” Hallie Williams, senior, 2nd year Hooligan - Hallie will be the only other returning member of the 2016 Hooligans championship squad. She signed with the team midway through last season, hauling in several receptions and showing great route running. Hallie honed her athletic ability as a goalie on CUAA’s women’s lacrosse team last year, seeing significant playing time and making some key saves. She will continue to help the Hooligans again this year. Alan Jones, sophomore, 1st year Hooligan - Alan will be the first of many solid newcomers on the Hooligans in the 2017 season. He brings a great athletic background to the team as he is entering his second year as a member of CUAA’s track and field squad. Alan will show great speed this year which will make him a threat on offense and a tremendous defender. Darius Wilson, freshman, 1st year Hooligan - Darius will be a key new signing for the Hooligans in 2017. He will bring collegiate experience as a member of CUAA football, a team which is currently in the midst of a record-setting year. Darius should show amazing speed and great hands along with a deep knowledge of the game of football. He is expected to make a great impact on both sides of the ball. Darius had this to say on signing: “It’s gonna be fun!!!” Jacob Brendtke, junior, 1st year Hooligan - Jacob will be another great signing for the Hooligans in the 2017 season. He brings a tremendous athletic background having played three sports for CUAA - soccer, lacrosse, and track and field. Jacob shows leadership skill as he coaches high school soccer and baseball at Captain Russell’s alma mater, Washtenaw Christian. He had this to say on signing: “I’m extremely excited to be a part of such a historic franchise and ready to take it to the next level of excellence!” Mikayla Hilton, grad student, 1st year Hooligan - Mikayla will be a terrific signing for the Hooligans in 2017. She brings a stellar athletic background to the team, having been a standout two-sport athlete at Lakeland College playing basketball and softball. Mikayla has experience playing the game of football and she also possesses great leadership skills as a graduate assistant coach for CUAA softball. She will be another great receiver for the Hooligans. Molly Grulke, sophomore, 1st year Hooligan - Molly will be another integral part of the Hooligans in the 2017 season. She brings athleticism to the franchise as a member of CUAA’s women’s basketball team. Molly is listed on the roster as 6-feet tall which will make her a great target as a receiver. She will also be able to use her height to disrupt passes on the defensive side of the football as well. Nathan Harris, junior, 1st year Hooligan - Nathan will be entering his first year on the Hooligans in 2017. He has showed versatility as a multi-sport athlete at CUAA, competing for the men’s soccer team as well as the track and field team. Nathan will show a variety of skills honed in the two sports and should be a great contributing member of this year’s squad. The Hooligans have a few openings on the roster so there may still be some additions. Remember to come out and cheer on the Hooligans this Sunday, October 29 at 3:00pm against the Wamp Rats! The game location should be Cardinal Stadium. Check back for any schedule changes or updates...ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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