Autumn air fills the John Davis Stadium and a historic game is about to begin. For the first time in South history, seven girls take on seven girls in the flag football league.
Athletic Director Tom Mietus, and Thomas Godbout, varsity Head Coach, helped organize the approval of girls flag football at South through the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The sport has currently been listed as emerging, meaning only a select number of schools have participated. However, Mietus explained that the sport is on track to be sanctioned next fall. It has been one of the fastest acceptances for a sport in IHSA due to its popularity, Mietus said.
“[Flag football] became an emerging sport within like a week of school starting, and we had already gotten the wheels kind of spinning and going,” Mietus said. Interest in this activity started late in the spring and the IHSA made it an emerging sport right before school started.”
Additionally, Godbout explained that this sport has given countless opportunities for the girls at South.
“This gives athletes a real avenue to do something else, be involved in the school during the fall, and most importantly, challenge themselves in ways they have not before,” Godbout said.
South flag football started late summer, just before school started, when Godbout took the coaching position. Godbout coordinated the institution of the sport, working with South and a representative from the Chicago Bears. Godbout explained that the girls picked up the sport quickly.
“The girls are learning super fast, and they are having a lot of fun. Around the game, there is enthusiasm because it is something that none of these girls have ever done before,” Godbout said.
Having never played flag football, sophomore varsity athlete Alyssa Carlson said that the sport was easy to learn.
“At first, I was hesitant about joining,” Carlson said. “I found out a lot of my friends were playing and decided to give it a whirl. Then, I fell in love with the sport.”
In addition to the immense support, flag football has brought opportunity, and memories to the girls on the team, Mietus said.
“This is going to give our athletes the opportunity to get involved,” Mietus said. “I still do not think that there is anything that’s better than being an athlete at Glenbrook South.”
