The first annual “Battle of the Badge” flag football game between SHSU Greeks and officers from local law enforcement agencies will take place Wednesday at 4 p.m. on Intramural Field No. 1. Proceeds from the event will benefit The 100 Club.
Philanthropy chairman of the Interfraternity Council Jess Widner said the IFC and the Panhelinic Association are looking forward to the game as a way to give something back.
“I was recently elected as philanthropic chairman, so I was trying to think of something that demonstrates the leadership of the Greeks and that we do contribute to the community,” Widner said.
Widner said that during the turbulent time we are currently living in, it was nice to show appreciation for those who keep us safe here at home.
“We chose it as a patriotic duty to those who protect the homeland,” he said.
The 100 Club is an organization that financially helps families of fallen law enforcement officers. Widner said that although admission to the football game is free, donations would be greatly appreciated.
“We hope that it is a family event and that everybody has a good time,” he said. “There will be refreshments served and a donation box at the gate. We will also be selling T-shirts for $10 and that will also be considered a donation.”
IFC advisor Jason Gomez said the football game is also a way to step up and do something productive for the community. Gomez said the IFC would like to show that it is interested in much more than just social events.
“It’s a big event,” Gomez said. “It’s a good way for us to do something for the community. It’s a good way to show our relationship with the police; we want to build rapport. We want the students and administrators to see that the Greek men and women do a lot of philanthropic events.”
Recreational Sports is providing equipment for the game. One member from each fraternity and sorority will play for the Greeks. The law enforcement team will be composed of nine Walker County sheriffs, seven Huntsville Police Department officers and four University Police Department officers.
The winner of the contest will be the team that wins the best two out of three flag football games. Widner said putting the event together has not been an easy task.
“We spent quite a bit of money,” he said. “We want attendance.”
Gomez said the Sheriff’s Department was more than willing to enter into the field of battle.
“The sheriffs are pumped. They seemed really exited about it,” Gomez said.
Walker County Sheriff Department Sgt. Steve Fisher said a lot of the officers might have a hard time getting used to the rules.
“We will be playing intramural rules, so there is not that much contact,” Fisher said. “Most of the guys on the law enforcement team aren’t used to those rules. A lot of these guys are used to full-contact football.”
Fisher said he sees the game as something very positive for the college and for The 100 Club.
“I think it’s a great idea. I appreciate them for doing it for a club that helps law enforcement, and for a college to support it, it’s just a good idea,” he said.
Fisher said the relationship between local police officers and SHSU students is often misunderstood.
“It seems like college kids get a bad rap. We aren’t just picking on college kids,” he said. “They have to understand that we have a job to do, so I think this game is a great way to build a better relationship.”
Fisher said that knowing a person, and knowing their job is a start to good understanding.
“When you know someone, and know what they do, situations get resolved a lot faster,” he said.
Widner said the winners of the game will receive a T-shirt and a trophy that each team will get to hold for one year.
“On the side of the trophy there will be a badge representing either the Greeks or the officers,” he said. “The badges will stay there so you can see who won each year.”
Widner expressed hope that this football game will turn into something that lasts a very long time.
“We hope that this is something that continues. We want it to be something that everyone expects, and just gets bigger each year.”