Honorary Coaches, Cheerleaders Take Spotlight during Courage Bowl XX

Before the St. John Fisher University and SUNY Brockport football teams face off during Courage Bowl XX on Saturday, Oct. 4, the annual Courage Bowl Luncheon gave both campus communities the chance to meet the honorary coaches and cheerleaders who will bring energy, courage, and heart to the field for this year’s game.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Courage Bowl, which raises money through ticket sales to support Camp Good Days and Special Times. For the last 12 years, Fisher and Brockport have competed in the bowl, making it one of the most anticipated and exciting match-ups in the Empire 8 and Division III football.

“More than forty years ago, Camp Good Days was borne out of an unending love of a father for his daughter. Twenty years ago, the Courage Bowl was another powerful idea: to give children impacted by cancer or sickle cell anemia the chance to be part of something extraordinary,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of St. John Fisher University, during the luncheon. “What began as a matchup between two college football teams has grown into one of the most meaningful events in our athletic and campus life. Thank you all for being part of this milestone.”

Each year, Camp Good Days selects campers to serve as honorary coaches and cheerleaders. The students meet their respective team, attend practice, and participate on the sidelines during game night, giving them a unique athletic experience.

Ryan McNamara and Craig Winter are both returning honorary coaches for Fisher, and cheerleading for the Cardinals are Maylee Cross and Charlotte “Charli” Ferraraccio.

Vinny Miller and Anders Swanson, both long-time camp participants, will lead Brockport’s team. Their honorary cheerleaders, JoNiya Johnson and Jazzy Antinetto, are first-year campers who will bring energy and spirit to the Golden Eagles’ sidelines.

The luncheon also honors the recipient of the annual Father Joe Lanzalaco Courage Award, given to an individual who is an example of courage, strength, and determination, to all of the children and families served by Camp Good Days. This year’s honoree is Greg Cutt, who has dedicated his life and energy to the children of Camp Good Days.

“Greg embodies the spirit of selflessness, hope, and determination that the Courage Bowl stands for, and his impact on our campers is immeasurable,” said Gary Mervis, founder and chairman of Camp. “We are honored to recognize his unwavering commitment to our mission.”

Cutt will also be formally recognized during halftime of the Courage Bowl.

At the conclusion of the game, the Teddi Trophy, named in memory of Teddi Mervis, who was the inspiration for Camp, will be presented. The trophy will later be inscribed with the date of the game, final score, and names of the honorary coaches and cheerleaders, and players from each team who display exceptional leadership and sportsmanship.

The Courage Bowl begins at 12 noon on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Fisher’s Growney Stadium. Tickets, which are $8 for general admission and $11 for premium seating, can be purchased online.