The 2018 intramural flag football season is about to kick off at CUAA and your Pigskin Hooligans will be right back in action. The Hooligans franchise will be fielding the 13th team in its proud history. The team is currently scheduled to play the Charlestown Chiefs this Sunday, October 7 at 5:30pm in Cardinal Stadium. However, there is a high probability of thunderstorms this Sunday so stay tuned for weather updates. The Hooligans will be looking to rebound from a tough year in 2017. This will be the earliest season opener in franchise history. The league will feature a total of 5 teams this year. The current plan is to have every team play each other once during the regular season (a single round robin). Every team will qualify for the final playoff bracket. Captain Mike Russell brokered a blockbuster deal in the offseason with 2017 Hooligangsters captain Gabe Farr. Together, they have joined forces to assemble a highly competitive roster. If the Hooligans win a league title this year, it would mark the 4th championship in franchise history. That would place the Pigskin Hooligans in a tie with the historic Gamecocks franchise for the most flag football championships in CUAA intramural history (based on available information). It is possible there could be later additions, but let’s take a closer look at the current roster (players listed alphabetically by first name, after captains): Gabe Farr (co-captain), 1st year Hooligan - Gabe signs with the Hooligans for the first time in his storied intramural career. He brings a wealth of talent and leadership experience, serving as captain for several teams in past years. Gabe brings a strong athletic background as a former member of the CUAA baseball team. His speed and athleticism will make him a dominant force on both sides of the ball. Gabe had this to say on signing: “Pigskin Hooligans are back and better than ever!” Mike Russell (co-captain), 13th year Hooligan - Captain Russell continues to steadfastly guide the Hooligans as the team enters the 2018 season. He continues to work tirelessly in the offseason to recruit a championship-caliber team. Last year, Russell hauled in a receiving touchdown while likely making the most receptions of his career. He had this to say: “I am excited to be back for another championship run - can’t wait to get on the field!” Ashton Gray, 1st year Hooligan - Ashton will be a key newcomer to the Hooligans in 2018. He brings a strong football backbround to the team, having recently completed a standout 4-year career as a running back for CUAA football. Ashton showed great speed and agility for the Cardinals, contributing to the school’s first ever appearance in the NAIA playoffs. He will be a great weapon on offense with his ability to make defenders miss. Derek Nelson, 2nd year Hooligan - Derek returns to the Hooligans in 2018 after a year away from the franchise. He was a member of the 2016 championship squad, competing in every game while notching 2 pass TDs, 2 receiving TDs and a PAT. Derek showed great versatility at multiple positions, pacing the team to a perfect 3-0 finish. He will be a welcome returner to this year’s squad. Jack Gomori, 1st year Hooligan - Jack will be a new signing for the Hooligans in 2018. He brings a great athletic background to the team as a two-sport athlete, competing for both the CUAA cross country and track and field teams. Jack has shown strong ability as a runner throughout his athletic career with Concordia. He will be a solid contributor on both sides of the ball. Kaleb Pohlman, 1st year Hooligan - Kaleb is another key signing for the Hooligans in the 2018 campaign. He brings a strong athletic background to the franchise as he recently completed a stellar 4-year campaign for CUAA football. Kaleb was relentless as a defensive end, contributing to a strong defense that led the Cardinals to their first ever NAIA playoff appearence. He will be an anchor for the Hooligans’ defense this year. Kassidy Grandorff, 1st year Hooligan - Kassidy will be a newcomer on the Hooligans for the 2018 season. She brings a great athletic background to the team as she enters her third year as a member of the Concordia softball team. Kassidy has shown great speed running the bases on the softball diamond, finishing second on the team last year with 4 stolen bases. Her agility will make her a key asset to the Hooligans. Luke Diekevers, 1st year Hooligan - Luke will be new to the Hooligans franchise in 2018. He recently completed a standout 4-year career as a foward for the CUAA men’s basketball team. Luke played quarterback in 8th grade, and he is expected to be the favorite to play that critical position for the team this year. His arm strength and strong knowledge of the game puts him in a great position to lead the offense. RJ Bortle, 1st year Hooligan - RJ will be entering his first year with the Pigskin Hooligans franchise in the 2018 campaign. He brings an athletic background to the squad as he will be entering his third year with the CUAA baseball team. RJ showed good hands as a receiver last year for the Hooligangsters, catching 2 touchdowns. He will be another great addition to the 2018 team. Ryan Bailey, 1st year Hooligan - Ryan joins the Hooligans for his first official season with the franchise. He brings great endurance and athleticism to the team as a member of both CUAA cross country and track and field. Ryan specializes in events that involve running, and he is expected to be a key player at the wide receiver position. He had this to say on signing with the Hooligans: “Let’s win!” Tyffani Bryan, 1st year Hooligan - Tyffani will be the final new signing for the Hooligans in 2018. She brings strong athleticism to the team, entering her third year as a member of the Concordia softball team. Tyffani has football in her DNA as her dad played college football for Michigan State. She has shown great speed running the bases and she will be a solid asset to the team as a wide receiver. Remember, the Hooligans are scheduled to play their first game this Sunday, October 7 at 5:30pm in Cardinal Stadium. Stay tuned for weather updates as thunderstorms are currently in the forecast. Be sure to come out and support the team this year...ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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