The Olds Residence intramural flag football team celebrated its championship winning season Nov. 12, with brownies, ice cream, and awards in the dormitory’s lobby.
The party, organized by captain, sophomore, and Olds resident assistant Pia Chapello, commemorated a 7-1 season.
“The girls’ ability to enthusiastically approach a new sport speaks to the culture of Olds. The team was able to learn and, ultimately, win by encouraging and playing for one another,” Chapello said. “Our championship party celebrated the victories of each player as we celebrated the team at large.”
Coach and sophomore John Paul Peck said the season was a success and one due to the hard work of the players.
“I’m very glad that I could help coach the Olds football team. They should be nothing short of proud of their performance,” Peck said. “I never expected us to have a full playbook at the beginning of the season, but it was exactly that — their adaptability and willingness to learn that won us the championship.”
Peck said the team has shown its true strength now, and he is confident it can continue to dominate on the field.
“This season was a statement to the rest of women’s IM flag football: that we’re here to win,” Peck said. “I’m confident that from here on out, Olds will go toe-to-toe with any team that they face in future seasons.”
Coach and senior Angel Jimenez said he knew from the start this team would win it all.
“I will go to the mountaintops to preach about this team and the greatness that we were able to achieve,” Jimenez said. “I told you at the beginning of the season when we had our first loss, ‘Girls, don’t be distressed, you will be the best,’ and here we are celebrating the championship.”
At the celebration, Jimenez and Peck handed out many awards for performance on both sides of the ball. In addition to the usual awards, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Valuable Player, Jimenez and Peck also handed out a few more creative awards.
Freshman Molly Bauer won the award for Unbreakable Energy
“The award for unbreakable energy, but not an unbreakable body, goes to Molly,” Jimenez said.
Freshman Evan Myers won the Silent Assassin award.
“Even though she’s a little quiet, whenever she’s on the field she absolutely dominates, and when we need it, delivers in the clutch. So what better way to describe that than a silent assassin,” Peck said.
Clutch Player was awarded to freshman Quincy Hearn.
“What makes a great athlete isn’t necessarily talent, but grit, and she was the one player I never wanted to substitute because I always knew she would deliver,” Peck said.
With Campus Rec adding a Spring IM football league, Olds is excited to repeat their success from this season Chapello said.
“We showed everyone what we were capable of, and next spring we’ll be ready to defend our title,” Chapello said.
