Spring Break
MU club football team serves as model
Katherine Ladt
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Sports
Since 2007 the Miami University club football team has risen above the ranks and gained national recognition for both its success on the field and its ability to develop a successful program. Combining forces with Xavier, Marquette and Southern Illinois a group of young men started the Midwestern Club Football Conference three years ago, which has expanded to three other schools since then, allowing a full season filled with lots of competition. This season was no different as they were undefeated in their southern conference.
As their Web site states, "club football at Miami University is much more than just a 'club sport' to the men who come out every year to play ball. There's nothing like walking onto that field and smelling the dirt and fresh-cut grass, nothing like making that sack or that catch or that touchdown, and that's why we play. We play for fun. We play for sportsmanship. We play for football."
Senior Josh Cartellone, who leads as team president, explained how their close relationship with the Oxford community and the varsity team has enabled them to achieve great things.
"Forming a bond with the athletic department and Coach Haywood has really made a difference especially when it comes to practices as well as equipment," Cartellone said.
Senior Captain Frankie Bisceglie described the importance of being involved with the community.
"By working with organizations like the Knolls of Oxford retirement community center, we have been able to get in touch with alumni and found a great support system through our visitations," Bisceglie said.
This has become a priority for the team as they often go to the Knolls to share conversations over dinner and give back to the community that has allowed them to succeed.
Another positive influence has come from the coaching staff led by Miami alumnus and former coach, Jay Fry, who constantly instills a tough love mentality and emphasizes the importance of the team's ability to connect with one another.
As their Web site states, "club football at Miami University is much more than just a 'club sport' to the men who come out every year to play ball. There's nothing like walking onto that field and smelling the dirt and fresh-cut grass, nothing like making that sack or that catch or that touchdown, and that's why we play. We play for fun. We play for sportsmanship. We play for football."
Senior Josh Cartellone, who leads as team president, explained how their close relationship with the Oxford community and the varsity team has enabled them to achieve great things.
"Forming a bond with the athletic department and Coach Haywood has really made a difference especially when it comes to practices as well as equipment," Cartellone said.
Senior Captain Frankie Bisceglie described the importance of being involved with the community.
"By working with organizations like the Knolls of Oxford retirement community center, we have been able to get in touch with alumni and found a great support system through our visitations," Bisceglie said.
This has become a priority for the team as they often go to the Knolls to share conversations over dinner and give back to the community that has allowed them to succeed.
Another positive influence has come from the coaching staff led by Miami alumnus and former coach, Jay Fry, who constantly instills a tough love mentality and emphasizes the importance of the team's ability to connect with one another.
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