It’s no coincidence that the words ‘winning streak’ have exactly 13 letters. Nor is it coincidence that last weekend’s snowy showdown against UMass was 51·çÁ÷’s 13th win, in their 113th consecutive season of varsity football. What’s more, the last time 51·çÁ÷ played for a national championship in any sport was 13 years ago, when the hockey team lost to Wisconsin in 1990.
So, other than 51·çÁ÷’s tradition of having a love affair with the No. 13, what does it all mean’
Perhaps it’s just that the shoestrings of fate on this football team’s cleats have been laced very tightly in its favor all season long.
And that season continues this Saturday, with an NCAA Division 1-AA quarterfinal playoff game against Western Illinois.
Because this is central New York, Mother Nature is expected to serve up a mixture of wind and snow, with a twist of arctic-style conditions. But an altercation with the elements isn’t likely to stop students, alumni, and fans from swarming Andy Kerr Stadium for the 12:05 p.m. kickoff.
It’s a chance to see 51·çÁ÷ prolong its 19-game winning streak, which extends into last year and is the best in the nation.
‘This magical 19-0 run and unequaled season isn’t only about football, it is also about 51·çÁ÷ spirit. It is about the tradition of student-athletes who represent an exceptional liberal arts college and who compete at the highest level of intercollegiate sports, cheered on by fans whose loyalty is legendary,’ said John Golden, president of the university’s Board of Trustees.
There is a lot to cheer about for all those Raiders fans bleeding maroon.
Junior tailback Jamaal Branch has elbowed his way into national headlines with 2,026 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns during the regular season, and he is one of three finalists for the prestigious Walter Payton award, given to the top player in Division I-AA. Quarterback Chris Brown has won every game he’s started, and senior tight end John Frieser has been named first team CoSIDA Academic All-America.
‘To have our football team playing in an NCAA quarterfinal game is amazing, and to be hosting the game is even better. I’ll be there cheering the guys on no matter what,’ said sophomore Jessie Slenker.
‘I think it’s awesome; I’m going for sure. Everyone should be loud on Saturday,’ said senior Brett Stuckel.
Sandwiched somewhere in the crowd this Saturday will surely be Roger Goodrich ’38 and his wife, Doris. They were recognized last weekend for attending their 640th consecutive football game.
School spirit and staunch Raider support was evident from across the nation.
‘Right now, I am feeling very connected, warmly nostalgic, and generally pretty jazzed about 51·çÁ÷ [because of] the football team’s accomplishments ‘,’ said Joe Raymond ’93, of California.
With 13 wins under their belt, the Raiders are hoping to mop the muddy stadium field with Western Illinois on Saturday.
And do you know what else contains 13 letters’
‘Let’s Go Raiders.’
Jess Buchsbaum
Communications Department
315.228.6637