Northwestern University Athletics
NU Concludes Wildcat Games with Bowling Competition
5/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 28, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -- When referring to "bowling" in the sport of college football, that normally means a successful regular season has resulted in a postseason game, usually in a warm-weather locale.
On Wednesday (May 28), however, Northwestern's football team competed in a true bowling competition, bringing to an end nearly five months of mostly off-the-field challenges and contests. Since the winter workouts began in early January, 10 different teams with approximately eight players each, have been taking part in contests, ranging from community service challenges to academic successes in the classroom.
"There were a few reasons behind instituting the 'Wildcat Games,'" said head coach Pat Fitzgerald. "The biggest reason was for the purposes of team building and leadership. We also wanted to put more competition into the off-season programs and create some fun and excitement.
"I've been extremely encouraged with how our players have responded and team leaders have emerged. I'm anxious to see this carry over into preseason workouts and our fall season."
The team selected 10 players to serve as group leaders and then those individuals had the task of drafting players for their team, knowing that points would be earned for successes in academics, athletics and community service.
With the bowling competition taking place at a nearby bowling alley, the teams bowled two rounds, with the team with the highest score earning the first-place points. "NU Crew," captained by Bryce McNaul, won the bowling competition, but it was not enough to overtake Eric Peterman's team, "Victorious Secret," which remains the leader. Points will still be awarded in the coming days for more community service involvement and spring academic results.
