They aren’t exactly the Pittsburgh Steelers, but like the Steelers, Carnegie Mellon’s co-ed alumni flag football team in Washington, D.C., made it to this year’s Super Bowl…of the Capital Alumni Network Flag Football League.
Although they were defeated, 6-0, by Colorado in the title game, the Tartans enjoyed their most successful season in the league, winning their division with an 8-2 regular season mark before posting playoff victories over Wisconsin (28-0), George Washington (22-12), Purdue (22-6) and Penn State (20-14).
“Our season was nearly flawless,” said Sam Ferraro-Pollak (E’00), who said there were 50 teams in the league this year. “Our offense ranked 6th in the league, averaging 22 points per game, while our defense ranked 3rd, yielding less than 6 points per game. Our biggest victories during the regular season were against our cross-town rivals from the University of Pittsburgh (20-7) and a 44-0 blowout of the University of Pennsylvania. Seven different players scored a touchdown against Penn.”
Ferraro-Pollak says there were many star performances this year, but overall Robb Traister (S ’01), defensive captain Matt Young (E ’00) and Season Dietrich (HSS’01, HNZ ’02) made the biggest contributions. “Mike Walsh’s (HSS ’01) punt return for a TD against George Washington was particularly spectacular,” he said.
This year’s team members included: Ferraro-Pollak (E,’00)—Coach; Matt Streyle—Coach (E’00) Matt Young (E’00)—Defensive Captain; Landon Witcher (HNZ’01)—Team Sage; Dave Calvo (E’95); Wing Chu (HSS’03, HNZ ’04); Koshi Delaney-Karell (E’98); Steve Deluca (S’04); Season Dietrich (HSS’01); Greg Dodson***; Neal Draves (HNZ’04); Jesse Felter (HSS’04); Shira Fishman***; Dave Hines (E’96); John Hsieh (E’00); Benny Kil (S’03); Erin Morrow (E’00); Lee Rider (TPR’99); Thinzar Russell (HSS’00); Mike Schultz (E’03); Tameka Simpson (E. HNZ’01); Eugene Smith (HSS’91); Robb Traister (S’01); and Mike Walsh (HSS’01).
*** non-alumni
Related Links:
Alumni Relations
Washington D.C. Alumni
