East Tennessee State University was well represented this past weekend at the Tennessee Intramural Recreational Sports Association (TIRSA) regional flag football tournament.
Two teams consisting of all ETSU intramural participants made the trip to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to compete in the tournament.
Campus recreation omnipresence the DuckSquad as well as the newly formed ETSU Jackelopes finished third and fourth respectively at the tournament, making it the best results at a regional tournament in recent history for ETSU.
A team from Western Florida finished first in the tournament. The DuckSquad, last year’s competitive flag football league champions, made the trip originally as the only men’s team from ETSU. After the fold of the co-ed league, The Jackelopes team was formed from the male members of the co-ed team that was originally scheduled to compete.
Both teams were successful in their TIRSA regional tournament debut. DuckSquad went 2-0 in pool play, and a first round win sent them to the semi-finals. The Jackelopes went 1-1 in pool play and won their first round game to put two ETSU teams playing on Sunday morning for the championship.
“I thought it was incredible that we both made it that far,” said Gary Carver, captain of the DuckSquad. “We all went down there hoping to have a little success and a lot of fun. For both ETSU teams to make it to the semi-finals, I think speaks well of the campus recreation and flag football program here. Our school was well represented.”
Both teams were pleased with their performances. “I was just happy to get to go down there and play,” said Steven Reagan, offensive captain of the Jackelopes. “On top of that we go down there, have that much fun and win some games, all the time representing ETSU. I wish there was another tournament we could go to this weekend.”
Two officials were sent to represent ETSU at the tournament as well. Steven Linebarger and Tim Vanthournout were part of the officiating crew in the tournament. Each received excellent evaluations and positive comments from their superiors.
“I just can’t say enough about how impressively ETSU was represented this past weekend,” said John Kroll, associate director of ETSU Campus Recreation. “We had a great group of guys get to come down here and play ball, be successful, and the all the while having fun. It’s just awesome and I’m proud that I had the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Both teams have been invited to a national tournament in January 2006.

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