Long-lasting Community Built with Loyola Club Football

Loyola’s history with the sport of football has been one of many ups-and-downs. From being the inspiration for the nickname “Ramblers,” according to Loyola’s Athletics’ website, to having been dismantled altogether, the club football team made its comeback in 2012. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, the team has cultivated a strong sense of community.

The team features a heavy mix of experienced players and rookies, which is very different from the team’s make-up last year, according to fourth-year linebacker Jake Wilcox.

“Last year there were a lot more veterans and leadership from guys who already knew what they were doing,” Wilcox said. “This year it’s a lot more teaching both through example and just trying to teach people to learn the system.”

As one of three captains, Wilcox’s approach to leadership is one that parallels a teacher-student relationship. He said he’s learned to work with the younger members of the team, while teaching the less experienced players how to navigate the club football system. 

Wilcox had prior playing experience in high school, but didn’t join the team until his second-year when he was invited to try out by a friend. A big factor in his return to the sport was the family present within the organization. 

“[The community is] probably my favorite aspect of the team,” Wilcox said. “When you play a sport like football, you have to play together. There are some sports that are very individualistic — football isn’t one of those.” 

Wilcox said because of the teamwork required in football, a natural relationship progression occurs, creating a strong familial atmosphere and bonding the players. 

The community which continues to be built upon extends beyond the field, as alumni have remained well connected to the team according to Wilcox. 

As one of the oldest clubs on campus, many previous players still donate or make appearances at games and alumni events, according to third-year captain and club president Carl Stegen. 

Not only are alumni present, but they’re also supportive in helping players get connected with work opportunities along with assisting in fundraisers for the team, according to Wilcox and Stegen.

“The support for the team has been amazing,” Stegen said. “We’ve been able to raise over $8,000 this year through our alumni alone. Networking with our alumni is a big thing we try to promote when recruiting new players.” 

Along with the strong external support system, the team captains ensure friendships are being fostered and a sense of support is being cultivated within the team.

In addition to mandatory practices and film meetings hosted throughout the season, the veterans build a culture of support when it comes to helping first-year players adjust to college life. Balancing academics with sports is no easy task, but study sessions are promoted and the captains are available for answering any academic questions according to Wilcox. 

“It’s really easy to get along with the captains,” first-year Sebastian Wise said. “They’re really friendly and out here to help us.”

There’s an emphasis on how easy it is to communicate with the captains, and how goal-oriented they are when it comes to the team’s success on and off the field. Although the captains are in a position of authority and are players to look up to, they’re respected as leaders just as much as they’re respected as teammates according to first-year student and captain Eyan Edwards

When it comes to on-field success, the team has been experiencing more of a challenge this season. During their recent game against Oakland University’s Golden Grizzlies, the Ramblers couldn’t quite find their footing, falling 0-55. 

Despite the game not going in the direction the team had hoped, the biggest takeaway for Edwards was reflecting on the way the Golden Grizzlies played and understanding what they could’ve done to improve. 

“They were more prepared — more disciplined than us,” Edwards said. “They capitalized on a lot of things that we couldn’t have and that just comes down to experience and being able to execute what we need to.”

Because this season’s team is composed of such a new lineup, there’s a learning curve for everyone involved according to Edwards. Whether it be the leaders trying to maintain morale through the hardships, or the rest of the players finding their shared identity. 

All three captains remain optimistic about the level of growth they see with each game, despite the struggles they’ve had on the field. 

“It’s about lifting up your brother and just continuing to fight even if you’re on your last leg,” Edwards said. “You just gotta keep going.”

Wilcox — who hopes to continue to be involved with the team as a part of the alumni after he graduates — said the progress the team has had this year has prepared the first and second-year students for next years’ season.

As Loyola’s club football team plays their last few games of the season, Stegen said one thing he’s sure to take away from this year is the family the program has brought him and the brotherhood within the team.