Calumet College of St. Joseph is excited to announce that the Midwest Sprint Football League trophy will hit the road. The Crimson Wave Sprint Football team recently clinched the league championship in a 31-0 victory over St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. The trophy will travel to local businesses that have requested to host the prize.

“We are so happy to share our victory with the community that supports us,” said Head Coach Jay Novak. “It has been a tough season, but we have been inspired by the spirit of those who cheer us on. Our rallying cry is ‘219,’ so this victory belongs to the Region.”

The season began with 3 straight losses, but the team turned things around mid-season. Trailing at halftime against Fontbonne University, the rain-soaked team “dug in deep. They believed in one another. They exploded into the second half, won the game and never looked back,” said Novak.

Entering the post-season in 4th place, the Crimson Wave picked off #1 seed Bellarmine University before upsetting St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

The Midwest Sprint Football League is in its second year of existence. Sprint football is identical to American collegiate football with the exception that players must weigh in at 178 pounds or less. Sprint Football players at Calumet College of St. Joseph attend courses full-time and must maintain a threshold GPA to remain eligible for play.

“I’m proud these guys are champions, but I’m even prouder that we are working to create good community members who will get educated, become good husbands, good fathers and good neighbors,” said Novak.

The trophy was delivered to Mayor Steve Spebar following the Whiting Illuminated Parade last Friday. It will make its public debut at Whiting City Hall the week of December 4.

The public is welcome to see and take pictures with the trophy during normal hours of operations at the following locations:

December 4: Whiting City Hall, 1443 119th Street, Whiting
December 11: The Junkyard T-Shirt Shop, 1504 119th Street, Whiting
December 18: Center Lounge & Restaurant, 1312 119th Street, Whiting
January 1, 2024: Winey Beach Café, 1350 119th Street, Whiting
January 8: Lakefront Nutrition & Fitness 1446 119th Street, Whiting
January 15: 80/20 Fitness By Crystal, 1308 119th Street, Whiting
January 22: Arts Alive! Presents Studio 659, 1413 119th Street, Whiting
January 29: Beggars Pizza, 1326 119th Street, Whiting
February 5: YMCA, 1938 Clark Street, Whiting

Other locations, including the Mascot Hall of Fame, will be announced as details are finalized.

Calumet College of St. Joseph is a graduate and undergraduate degree granting institution sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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Photo attached pictures (from L to R): Head Coach Jay Novak, Tony Madreuno, Nino Barbosa, Mayor Steve Spebar, Assistant Coach Jonathan Buckner, Alex Davila, Assistant Coach Ante Dosen.

Inquiries may be directed to Brian Lowry, Director of Communications & Public Relations, at (219) 473-4217 or blowry@ccsj.edu