Courage Bowl Returns to Fisher
The St. John Fisher University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that individual tickets are available for purchase for the Courage Bowl XVIII. The annual game will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Growney Stadium as the Cardinals take on SUNY Brockport under the lights.
This annual football tradition benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, an organization that has served children with cancer and their families for more than four decades and one that is close to the hearts of many Fisher students, employees, and alumni.
The Courage Bowl – coined “more than just a game” – has become one of Camp’s largest fundraisers since it began in 2004. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online (there will be no cash sales; all tickets - advanced or at the door – are processed using an online system).
Each year, Camp chooses campers to serve as honorary coaches and cheerleaders. The campers have the opportunity to meet the team and squad of each institution, attend a practice, and be a part of the action on the sidelines on game night, giving them a chance to participate in a real athletic experience – a chance most are not able to have because of their illness. President Gerard Rooney, who has seen every Courage Bowl, said that connections made between the student-athletes and honorary coaches and cheerleaders are always the high points of each game.
During the kick-off luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 26, Gary Mervis, founder of Camp Good Days, will present the Father Joe Lanzalaco Memorial Courage Award to Dr. Richard Constantino, a 1974 alumnus of Fisher, and Sister Francella Quinn, a 37-year Camp volunteer. Both are stalwart members of the Rochester community and longtime friends of Camp. Named for Fr. Joe Lanzalaco, a longtime director of campus ministry and ardent Fisher football fan, the Courage Award is given annually to an individual who has shown courage, strength, and determination to others.
The University will celebrate Courage Bowl Week beginning Monday, Sept. 25 through Saturday, Sept. 30 with events and traditions. The Teddi Dance for Love committee is planning themed days; students who post their outfits on their Instagram story and tag Teddi will be entered into a raffle for a Teddi swag bag (1 entry per tag).
Monday, Sept. 25 – Get ready with Teddi and wear your favorite jersey!
Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Courage Bowl Community Luncheon – Introducing Honorary Coaches and Cheerleaders and honoring Dr. Richard Constantino and Sr. Francella Quinn.
Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Tie Dye Tuesday!
Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Teddi Day – wear your favorite Teddi apparel!
Thursday, Sept. 28 – Look up! Are you ready for some football? Kearney Tower will be lit red and gold in honor of the Courage Bowl.
Friday, Sept. 29 – Wear your Fisher gear and receive 10% off of your purchase at Cyber Café and Pioch Café!
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Game Day! Gates open at 5 p.m., kick-off at 6 p.m. Join the Teddi committee outside of Growney for the Sidewalk Soiree starting at 4 p.m., featuring lawn games, baked goods for sale, and Teddi merchandise. Inside the stadium, drop a donation into the Camp Good Days jugs or buy this year’s Courage Bowl t-shirt.
At the conclusion of the Courage Bowl, the Teddi Trophy, named in memory of Teddi Mervis, Mervis’ daughter and the inspiration behind Camp Good Days, will be presented, which will later be inscribed with the date of the game, final score of the game, names of the honorary coaches/cheerleaders, and the names of one player from each team who displays exceptional leadership and sportsmanship.