Intramural Madness: Fighting Your Way to a Championship

My volleyball team after our first big win!

I’d first like to start with words from the inspirational and great athlete, Ricky Bobby: “If you ain’t first, you’re last!” Those six words have been my intramural volleyball team’s mantra for this past year. We have stuck to Ricky’s philosophy in the hopes of making an intramural championship run and winning the greatest of all trophies, a championship t-shirt. Although it sounds like you’re getting just another t-shirt, no words were ever more false.  At Fordham, an intramural championship shirt is a prized possession and a bucket list item for many.  Word around campus is that the legend, Vince Lombardi, once said he’d rather have a champs t-shirt than his name on the Super Bowl trophy.

Watch Top Gun for more volleyball inspiration

Although Lombardi may have never actually said that, intramurals and championship t-shirts are still very popular at Fordham.  Whether you were a Varsity All-State Champion in high school or always had aspirations of playing, there’s an option for you.  Intramurals are a great way for you to form a team with your group of friends and take on fellow Rams. You can show off your Steph Curry clutch 3-pointers in basketball, Odell Beckham Jr. worthy hands in flag football, your Misty May and Kerri Walsh gold medal V-Ball spikes, or your best skills in many other sports. As for me, my true passion lies on the volleyball court. Inspired at a young age by the prowess of Goose and Mav in Top Gun, I have always dreamed of one day making it to their master level. (For a full list, check out the official intramural page here.) 

The official Spike Lee team logo 

This year, Spike Lee, my volleyball team, has had a bit of a rough season. Rough season may be an understatement – we haven’t won a set yet. Back to the words of Ricky Bobby, we are last. Although, Ricky’s philosophy doesn’t take team spirit into account. In that category, we are easily first and deserving of a championship t-shirt. I believe the most important part of intramurals is to have fun with your friends, whether that means you don’t win a game or you win them all. College is a chance to form friendships that will last the test of time, and playing intramurals is a great way to make memories you’ll never forget. So remember, Top Gun high-five your way to a championship t-shirt or have fun losing.

Fordham Football Prevails Over West Point

On Friday, I went to the season opener Fordham football game at West Point Academy! Fordham organized student buses to transport fans to West Point’s campus about an hour north of Rose Hill. And while regular admission tickets to the game cost $32+, Fordham offered students $25 dollar tickets that included couch us transportation and a game ticket. 

Seniors tailgating before the game 

Last fall, the Army Mules beat the Rams 42-31. This year, the Rams came back strong as ever for vengeance winning in the final minutes of the game 37-35.  We like to think that our fan section had a strong influence on the players’ game.

Fordham student section at West Point 

Football games are among the best fall experiences as a Ram. Friends come together to cheer for our friends, our classmates, and our school. We enjoyed a tailgate before the game with burgers, dogs, and many of our parents joined as well. During the game all the Fordham students sat together and cheered.

Fordham football team and fans celebrating victory!

We cannot wait for more games to come this year! Go Rams!

Fordham PhilRAMthropy

Fordham philanthropy – Fordham students for students!

In the true vision of men and women for others, Fordham students are committed to one another both on and off campus. Philanthropy is very much a large part of campus life, whether it is fundraising for scholarships or raising money for Global Outreach Trips. As a member of two philanthropic organizations, Fashion for Philanthropy and the Student Philanthropy Committee, as well as a former Fordham Annual Fund student-fundraiser, I can attest to this spirit of “giving back” on campus.

A picture of my friend on his Global Outreach trip in Mexico
which was funded by fellow classmates!

Flier of the different groups present at the
Student Philanthropy Fair

As an executive board representative of Fashion for Philanthropy, FFP, I had the chance to meet with other philanthropic groups on campus at the previous Philanthropy Fair. At the Fair, students held bake sales to raise money for their respective causes. Many students filtered in and out of the McGinley Center and stopped by the Fair to support their friends and the groups of which they were a part. I tabled for FFP in order to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. FFP is indicative of the philanthropic spirit on campus. Members raise money all year in support of our annual Fashion Show, whose proceeds directly profit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For example, throughout the year we will hold bake sales and food deliveries which are funded by fellow classmates. An example of another philanthropic organization on campus that was present at the Fair was the B+ Foundation, an organization where "kids help kids fight cancer." It is chapters like these that bring students together in the spirit of helping others and the community at large.

The Fair was a success on two levels – on a surface value, it helped raise money and awareness about different charitable causes; on a deeper level, the Fair exemplifies Fordham student’s commitment to one another.

FFP Table at the Fair!

Another example of on-campus philanthropy is the Student Philanthropy Committee, SPC, which seeks to work with other groups and departments on campus to help fundraise with the Development Office. For example, the SPC will be working with the Athletics Department and Career Services to jumpstart philanthropic efforts to make improvements within each office. As such, members of the SPC are Fordham students working for current and future Fordham students.

It is clear that there is a philanthropic spirit on campus, which I believe is unique to the Fordham experience. It is rare to find in competitive college settings students who are so willing to help their peers. I feel as though this spirit transcends campus and truly fosters strong community ties that exist even after graduation. Once a Ram, Always a Ram!

Poster distributed at the Fair promoting
the Bronx Community and its goings-on.
 

Breakfast for Champions!

Veteran Jason Braase accepting SAAC donation

This morning, Fordham hosted its 12^th annual Breakfast for Champions in the McGinley Center Ballroom and Lounge. This event was created by the university to recognize the student-athletes that perform, not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.  This year, about 67% of Fordham’s student-athletes were honored for having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

During the breakfast, Jason Braase was invited to speak on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project.  His story of his deployment and recovery touched the hearts of everyone in the room.  One of the messages stressed at Fordham is the Jesuit tradition of, “Men and women for others.”  It is one of the things that every student will take away with them from Fordham, the idea that we must be available and willing to offer assistance to others.  The Fordham Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) fulfilled this message today by providing Mr. Braase with a generous donation to support the Wounded Warrior Project.  The event came to an end, following the closing remarks of President, Father McShane, with the singing of the Fordham Fight Song, “The Ram” by all in attendance.  

The honorees from my team!

At Fordham, there is tremendous support for the students.  We are pushed to be the best person we can in all ways whether it's through athletics or charity, but particularly in the classroom.  In addition to this, there is an overwhelming feeling of community among the students and this event is just one of the many times that it is shown.  It is always fun to get together with your teammates and fellow Rams, especially while taking the time to congratulate each other on our hard work and making a difference in the lives of others. 



Senior Spotlight: Savannah Coe

Swimming and Diving Headshot

Name: Savannah Coe

Hometown: Auburn, WA

Major: Biology and Psychology

Graduation date: May 2015

Why did you choose Fordham? During my senior year of high school, I was recruited by Fordham to join the Fordham Women’s Swim and Dive team. I had never even been out to the East Coast before, so the idea of moving 3000 miles away from home was a little daunting. But when I came to visit Fordham the campus was so beautiful and the school was what I wanted both academically and athletically that I decided this was the right school for me.

What clubs/organizations/internships have you been involved in? What has been your favorite experience? During the last four years I have volunteered at Montefiore Children’s Hospital, St. Barnabas Hospital, and the Bronx AIDS Society. I also helped perform genetics research at the Botanical Gardens. However, my favorite experience has been as a member of Peer Health Exchange (PHE). PHE members are trained to teach workshops about various health topics to ninth graders in the local public high schools. I joined the club my sophomore year and have worked my way up to become one of the leaders this year. It is really rewarding to teach a class when the students are engaged and you can tell that they are really soaking in all of the information. Plus, it is a great way to travel around the Bronx and see different areas.

Spring weekend: music, friends, and food!

What do you think is the best resource available to students on campus? I think career services is one of the best resources available to students on campus.

What is your favorite personal memory at Fordham? One of the best weekends at Fordham every year is spring weekend. My sophomore year was especially good because we had great weather and on Saturday Andy Grammer and Grouplove had great performances. Who doesn’t love a weekend full of concerts and free food?!

Where is your favorite place to hang out at Fordham or in NYC? It may be a cliché, but I love hanging out in Central Park when I have some free time to relax. Generally that only really happens in the summer, but it is a great place to workout, relax, or escape the noise of the city.

What are your plans/goals/aspirations for post-graduation? My plans are to attend medical school, but right now I am still waiting for acceptances so I’m keeping my fingers crossed! 

Rams Rule! Sporting Events at Fordham

One of my favorite things about Fordham is the amount of school spirit we have on campus. Even though Fordham is in the middle of a city, all of our sports are Division I, and there are plenty of games and spirit events to go to on campus! I love going to games at Fordham. Fordham students can attend any game on campus for free, just by showing their students IDs. This is a great opportunity to dress in maroon and show some school spirit!

My roommate and I wore maroon to the football game to support our Rams!

Last weekend, my two friends and I went to Fordham Football’s game against Lafayette University. The stands were packed with students and alumni, and everyone was dressed to impress in Fordham gear. The game was very exciting, and I loved seeing our Rams play. Every time Fordham scored, the stands erupted with cheers. Fordham’s football team is very talented, and that talent definitely showed at the game. In the end, the Fordham Rams defeated Lafayette 42-18.

We got a free Fordham Football t-shirt when we went to the game 

My friends and I had a great time at the game last weekend, and I can’t wait to attend more sporting events as the year goes on. Seeing all of my friends cheering and supporting athletics at Fordham is amazing. I do not play sports at Fordham, but I love going to the games to cheer and support my fellow Rams! Fordham is a school filled with spirit. No matter what activities and clubs you choose to do at Fordham, there will always be Rams there to support you!

Coffey Field was filled with fans dressed in maroon. Go Rams!