This year, Post University, based out of Waterbury, Conn., will be heading north to meet the U.S. Army service academy of West Point. This is the eighth year the Allegiance Bowl has been played in Saratoga Springs, with Army making their fifth appearance over all. In their four previous appearances, Army has defeated Princeton and Mansfield University, while dropping a pair of games to intense service academy rivals Navy, including last season’s matchup.
Post Academy is making their debut at the Allegiance Bowl, with 2012 being only their second non-probationary year in the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL).
Proceeds for this event will benefit two locally-based youth athletic organizations: Saratoga-Wilton Soccer Club and Ballston Spa Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading programs.
“We were thrilled to be chosen as one of this year’s Allegiance Bowl’s beneficiaries,” said Bob Turner, Saratoga-Wilton Soccer Club President. “Their financial support has helped the club launch our Fall Soccer Academy featuring training by the St. Rose Men’s Soccer Coaches and our winter soccer training for boys and girls ages 7-12 at local elementary schools. Our more than 500 club families are very excited to attend this great family event.”
Each year, an honorary chairperson for the event is selected. Anthony Weaver, Saratoga Springs High School graduate and former NFL defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, will receive the honor for the 2012 game. Past honorary chairs for the event have included such individuals as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Olympic gold medalist Jeff Blatnick and Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins.
The distinction between regular football and sprint-style revolves around the size of the players involved. According to the Collegiate Sprint Football League’s website, unlike regular football sprint football is designated for players who weigh less than 165 pounds or 172 pounds after meeting very specific criteria prior to weigh-in. What this means is the majority of players are smaller, quicker and harder to tackle.
There are currently seven teams in the CSFL: Army, Cornell, Post, Navy, Princeton, Penn and Mansfield University.
There is a kickoff banquet scheduled for the evening before the game, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Former Cornell sprint football player and attorney Ken Kunken will be the keynote speaker. There will be performances by the West Point Strings Chamber ensemble and Drastic Measures, an A cappella group at Skidmore College. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased by calling (518) 588-6952.
