Rivalries continue as league ends
College football, the most competitive of the inter-collegiate sports, and according to Rolf Schmachtenbog, “the only college sport that matters,” has reached a new level this year with near fights on the pitch. The title of league champion is more coveted than ever. One must question what is it that brings this college sport to the next level competitively?
In past years there was no guarantee that a referee would be available at each match, and even this year Vanbrugh sports representative Marc Henderson claims, “the referee often lets the game get out of hand.” However, credit must be given to Andrew Wittingham for organizing referees for each and every game this year, attempting to ensure that the competition stays under control.
A few weeks ago the referee lost control of the game in a match between Vanbrugh and Halifax. The Halifax goalkeeper ran 45 yards to confront a Vanbrugh player and was issued a yellow card. Eventually, the match was called off and neither team was declared the loser or winner. “Vanbrugh is still unbeaten this year because that match was declared void,” said Henderson.
When asked about the confrontation, Halifax sports rep Cris Perrara denied any allegations of unsportsmanlike conduct.
But what is it that makes this sport so competitive? Perhaps it is the competition required to even make the team. Some colleges have more than thirty players turn up for the tryouts for the two teams allowed to compete each year. “It is the sport where most people get involved, it is the only sport where you will hear people discussing the results on the bus to Ikon each week,” commented Schmachtenbog.
Another reason for the competitive nature of college football is deep seated rivalries that have developed over the years. Matthew Smith, the president of Langwith’s football team did not hesitate to declare Derwent as their main rival.
Also college football, unlike other sports, takes on many traits of a university club. Most teams have kits, and socials are organized to increase camaraderie amongst teammates.
The importance of winning the college football league has led to some dirty tactics when it comes to earning points. The first and second teams both receive the same number of points for a win, three. This led Alcuin, who had not won in two years to switch its first and second teams, so they could earn points in Wednesday’s seconds matches. However, this year Alcuin came out victorious for the first time in two years beating Derwent.
Alcuin’s tactics were in no way illegal and could be considered smart play. To prevent this situation occurring, Matthew Smith believes, “the first team should earn more points for wins than the second.” Schmachtenbog goes even further, claiming: “college football should count for more points than the other college sports.”
This weekend saw the last matches for the autumn league of college sport. Vanbrugh went into the game needing only a draw against James to clinch the league. “I don’t care if we only need a draw, we play for a win!” said Daisy, one enthusiastic Vanbrugh fan. Vanbrugh ended up clinching the league, beating James 2-0.
Now that the autumn league is over, teams have a chance to bleach their mud-stained shirts, nurse their bruises and sore muscles, and most importantly prepare mentally for the games next term. If the action this term is any indication, college football promises to be competitive in the future and filled with the same bitter rivalries next term.
Loading ...