CSB Flag Football to start inaugural season with triple matchup

The CSB Flag Football team is set to kick off its inaugural season with its first jamboree, where they will host eight teams on Saturday, April 11. The Bennies will play Concordia-Moorhead, Gustavus and Augsburg. 

First-year wide receiver, cornerback and captain from Mounds View High School, Lily Ryan, said that there has been a ton of growth since the first day of practice.

“The biggest thing is learning the fundamentals of the sport. We are always learning whether that is footwork or learning how to catch the ball too. I’ve seen it with the chemistry of the team as well. A lot of us did not know each other and did not know much about the sport before joining. We’ve learned how to play together and how to problem solve,” Ryan said. 

The young team is comprised of 14 first-years and six sophomores.

Ryan talked about what the start of the season has looked like as the team navigates the start of a new athletics program at St. Ben’s.

“It has been a lot of continuing how to learn to play the game in different ways. It has taught us how to get around hurdles in game and its created so many friendships as well. Its interesting because there are many girls on the team that have not crossed paths before between our majors and age groups. Our coaches, coming from various backgrounds, have created a huge impact and have been super helpful,” Ryan said.

First-year running back, cornerback and captain from Mounds View, Alaina Pundsack, explained the importance of leadership and her role. 

“It’s really important especially with the first year and how it’s a new sport. It is a whole new opportunity that is still evolving. We need to remember who we are playing for and why we are playing. We have lots of females who may have never got an opportunity and now we have the chance to support each other and bring light into this for everyone. I want to keep the energy alive on campus about this opportunity,” Pundsack said. 

Since the start of the training this offseason, Pundsack has cherished a few of her favorite parts about the team.

“The community, we rely on each other in different ways; that’s not normal. We do the same things together. We have been able to learn how to work with others and create those relationships that are more impactful and deeper than the ones you make in the classroom. It amplifies the relationships that we are building,” Pundsack said. 

Pundsack talked about how the team has started to build a foundation for dealing with adversity when it arises during the season.

“It’s remembering we are a team and we are there for each other. We do not know what to expect, we are one of the only teams that did not play last year. We have to continue to lean on each other. There is so much unknown and knowing that it’s okay and it’s about having fun and enjoying each other during the process. We must continue building on the skills that we are learning now,” Pundsack said. 

Head coach Joe Bartos, who has prior football coaching experience at schools like Little Falls and Roseville, talked about the goals he has in mind for the team this year as coach.

“The first thing is to meet the institution’s goals. Second is to develop a team that is player- driven. Spreading the idea that this is not a coach’s team but our team. Next is being great teammates and competitors alongside each other. Lastly, staying competitive and going out there, winning and being successful,” Bartos said. 

Bartos talked about how the team has been focused on creating a culture of positivity and being great teammates as the program has gotten off the ground.

“We try to do several things. We want to be great competitors and teammates. Constantly competing. We start practice with conversations about whatever comes to mind, and we talk about our relationships. We do intentional things at the end of practice as well. We want to build our chemistry to the best,” Bartos said. 

As a newer sport in general, Bartos said recruitment looked a little different than most sports.

“To start, we showcased the sport at the activities fair this fall. Anyone who was interested was able to stop by and show their interest. For those who left their emails and were interested, I reached out to them about joining. We’ve been promoted in magazines, posters and different types of social media. Thinking ahead for next season, going to flag football showcases and talking to girls about joining. Scouting out for leads on girls who are good and would be interested in playing collegiately,” Bartos said.

Now that the first games of the season are right around the corner, the team is looking to showcase all of its talent and excitement for its upcoming sets of games on April 11.