Josh Dockum
Staff Reporter

"Down! Set! Hut!" These three words mean "are you ready for intramural flag football?" A number of NIACC students were this fall as they participated in the college's intramural flag football season.

Flag football has the same concepts and rules as regular football, but players don't tackle; they rip flags off a small belt that the player wears around the waist.

Most participants are students, both male and female, who are not in a fall sport but who are looking to get a little exercise and have some fun on the gridiron.

Travis Hergert, NIACC Intramurals coordinator, said a lot of students enjoyed this fall's season.

"This year's intramural flag football season has been a lot of fun," Hergert said. "The teams that are involved in the league are all very competitive and it's been exciting to watch these teams play."

Each team had different colored shirts ranging from black, blue, orange, green and even the color pink.

Seven teams comprised this year's football league and they all selected a name they felt reflected their image.

The teams this season included Team 7, The Punishers, The Fockers, Magma, The Liters, Sea Donkeys and the Fire Spitting Lamas.

NIACC sophomore Dan Juhl also got to be a part of the fun as a referee.

"My crew and I are the worst officiating crew ever," Juhl said. "Intramurals are a lot of fun, just being a part of them is great and being a referee and having control of the game is awesome."

Marcus Hagaden of the Sea Donkeys agreed.

"It's a good way to meet new people, and it gets pretty competitive," Hagaden said. "In all, intramurals are a good time and a lot of fun to be involved in."

Team 7 won the regular season with a record of 5 Ð 1. The Fockers, The Punishers and Magma ended the regular season 4 Ð 2, while the Liters and Sea Donkeys ended the season 2-4, and the Fire Spitting Lamas were 0 Ð 6.

This year Hergert said he decided to hold playoff games for the four teams with the best records to see who would play in the Trojan Bowl.

In the past, the teams with the top two records just played for the championship, but Hergert said he wanted to make it more competitive this year.

"Having playoff games just makes it more competitive for the teams, and it's a lot of fun to watch the best teams go at it," Hergert said. "Adding the playoffs makes it feel more like professional football where teams compete to see who makes it to the Super Bowl." The four teams that qualified for the playoffs included Team 7, The Fockers, The Punishers and Magma.

"Intramurals are a great way to get to meet people and have some fun, and dominant the competition," Cory Mirelles said.

Punishers player Mitch Kellogg agreed.

"It's a great deal of fun, it gives you a chance to get out and get some exercise and mingle with these friendly folks," Kellogg said.

Hergert hopes even more students will take advantage of the intramurals program, either next football season or with one of the upcoming sports this winter and spring.

"I encourage everyone to compete in intramurals. It's a great experience and it's a way to have some fun," Hergert said.

Those interested in participating should stop by the athletic office for additional information on the opportunity to "play some football" or other intramural sports.

Josh Dockum
Staff Reporter

While it might not be the Downtown New York Athletic Club, winning the Heisman Trophy for NIACC Intramurals means a great deal to those who participated in flag football this fall.

The original Heisman Trophy recognizes the outstanding collegiate football player each season. At NIACC, an award by the same name goes to the individual who stands out in the intramural league.

Three players were up for his prestigious award that included quarterback Joel Kohler (Magma), wide receiver Jacob Lee (Team 7) and quarterback Blake Henely (The Fockers).

One individual out of the three has proven time and time again to help his team succeed and this year's winner is Magma quarterback Kohler.

Kohler has had a wonderful season throwing for an intramural flag football record of 40 touchdown passes. He had the record after only three games into the season.

His arm is not his only weapon. Kohler also ran for a few touchdowns, caught a couple touchdown receptions, returned kicks for touchdowns and came up with key interceptions.

Players have compared him to NFL players Peyton Manning, Michael Vick and Antawn Randle El all rolled into one.

"It's been fun watching him and seeing his great individual success," Travis Hergert, NIACC Intramurals coordinator, said. "He has great teammates around him and he's flat out been head and shoulders above the rest of the league."