Unified intramural flag football team brings students together

Bright lights on the field set the stage as the players made their way to the line of scrimmage. The competition was stiff, and the trash talk was intense. The ball was snapped, and, then, the game was on. Students cheered on their teammates from the sideline, all while begging their coach to put them in. 

The chilly April air was filled with the sounds of camaraderie as 13 Augustana students, seven of them Augie Access students, took the field. While the game appeared to be a typical intramural event, for the participants, it was a unique experience of togetherness. 

Augustana’s Unified intramural flag football team not only allowed members in and outside of the Augie Access program to play side by side but also fostered an environment of mutual learning and growth on the field. 

Catherine Davis, the Augie Access program coordinator, said Unified sports are a way for people with and without disabilities to come together as a team and support one another. 

Freshman Avery Ryder started playing for the team after seeing a sign-up sheet in the Commons.

“I was walking in the Commons, and they had a sign-up sheet on the table,” Ryder said. “They were like, ‘Hey, do you want to join Unified flag football?’ I was like, ‘Sure, why not?’ So here I am.” 

Ryder has not been disappointed. 

“I just like how everyone comes together, and no matter where you come from or who you are, you can all play a game together and just have fun,” Ryder said. 

Students interested in playing on the Unified flag football team can do so by talking to leaders of the Augie Access program or reaching out to the Special Olympics Augustana University College Club via Viking Central. Students also have the opportunity to coach the intramural teams. Members of the Augustana University football team volunteered to coach flag football this season. 

The Augustana Student Association approved the Special Olympics Augustana University College Club in October. Augie Access student John James and junior Barrett Lloyd, a Unified basketball coach, became co-presidents of the organization. 

This year, the Augie Access program has put on an intramural bean bag tournament, intramural flag football and a Special Olympics delegation that played basketball at the area and state tournaments.  

Augie Access also has had a Unified basketball team that plays against the University of Sioux Falls each year for the Special Olympics Rivalry Series.

While the Special Olympics Augustana University College Club is officially new on campus, Davis said the Augie Access program has had a partnership with the Special Olympics for years. 

According to Lloyd, the Special Olympics talked to members of Augustana’s Unified basketball team around the time of the USF rivalry game about making Augustana a Unified Champion College School. From there, students started drafting a constitution for a college club. 

“I am absolutely thrilled with the results of our club in its inaugural year,” Lloyd said. “I felt like we accomplished a lot and had far more engagement than I expected. I have really appreciated the student leaders that have stepped up and got involved.” 

Lloyd said the students who did get involved appeared to have a great time and made lasting connections. 

Maya Heinitz, a freshman at Augustana, said she grew just as much as her Augie Access teammates and gained a deeper understanding of people with disabilities. 

“My main takeaway is how much of an impact the students can have on you,” Heinitz said. “It's such a fun experience, and you leave every single game feeling uplifted. It's food for the soul, very fulfilling.” 

Freshman Balu Woldu, who is in the Augie Access program, said making friends has been his favorite part of playing intramural flag football. 

“You just get to know the teammates and coaches and make friends,” Woldu said. “It's about working as a team and scoring touchdowns.”

And score a touchdown he did. 

The 13 players went wild. Woldu said his touchdown was the highlight of the game.

“It was awesome,” Woldu said.

While Woldu enjoys the friendship aspect of Unified flag football, others are there simply for the sport.

“I just love football,” James said. “I love catching the ball, throwing the ball, running. The whole thing.”

While the competition was intense, intramural flag football is not a large commitment. The students do not practice outside of games; they simply show up ready to compete. 

The Unified flag football team competed in five regular season games and one bracket game this school year. The team lost all six.

“Though we lost, we did have some close games and the players all had fun and improved over the season. They are all fired up for next year already,” Davis said.

Beyond the touchdowns and the tackles, Augustana’s Unified flag football team embodies the spirit of unity by bringing people together. The intramural games foster deep connections and mutual understanding. 

“It gives [Augie Access students] an opportunity to be with their peers, and they have an opportunity to make new friendships to show off their athletic talents, which many of them have,” Davis said.

Heintiz also said she would highly encourage other students to participate in the flag football games. 

“The [Augie Access] students love it so much, and it creates relationships and friendships outside of the sport itself,” Heinitz said. “When I see them around campus, we always wave at each other. We know each other now. So, I would encourage students to do it.”

Through shared experiences on the field, students like Heintiz and Woldu are able to forge friendships that extend beyond the game, enriching their college experience in unexpected yet meaningful ways. 

Unified Flag Football is not about the wins and the losses; it is about building bridges and breaking down barriers, one touchdown at a time. 

So, as the light faded on the field, the game ended. Hugs were exchanged, autographs were signed, and most importantly, connections were made.