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Chili Bowl Champions Defend Undefeated Title
By Sarah H. Dolan
November 6, 2009
Regent community cheers for the teams in the Chili Bowl Tournament.
Photographer: Patrick Wright
To view photos, click here
It's not easy to defend a championship title, according to Brandon Dickinson, team captain of this year's Regent University Chili Bowl Tournament champions, "We're Huge in Japan." The team, who won the 2008 intramural flag-football tournament title as "Globo Gym Purple Cobras," faced off with "Bro Montana" for this year's fiery season-ending game.
"This season has been challenging and exciting because as last year's champions, we have had a target on our back every week," Dickinson, a second year student in Regent Law, explained. "Every game we have to play with heart and determination because we will get each opponent's best effort, guaranteed."
Both of the tournament teams are composed primarily of law students. A defeat for We're Huge in Japan would not only cost their championship title, but would put a stain on their undefeated game run since 2008.
We're Huge in Japan's team name comes from Dickinson's friend who is currently teaching elementary students in Japan. In a class about American football, she showed them Chili Bowl pictures and they were amazed at how tall and strong the players were.
"You never know what will happen when two law teams play one another," said Intramural Sports Coordinator Lewis Martin. "If there is a call on the field, each team knows that their side is right and the other is wrong. You see people's true competitive nature come out during these games."
Fortunately for the spectators, identifying with and cheering for a team is what creates a sense of campus life and community. The annual Chili Bowl Tournament is a signature event for Regent, bringing together faculty, students, staff and alumni to share in the excitement of the game.
"You may not know anyone personally on a team, but you can still feel connected to them and invested in their success," said Director of Student Life Carolyn Hughes. "You share something in common with them—whether that's being in the same school or working at the same institution. Being invested in the success of others and supporting them in loss is what community is about."
For most of the Regent community, the Chili Bowl is an event where everyone on campus can unreservedly show his or her school spirit. The traditional festivities that accompany the game include raffles, face painting and a chili cook-off contest. But in the end, it's all about the game.
Plenty of cheers boomed from the crowd as each team took turns scoring in a nail-biter. Near the end of the game, Bro Montana ran the ball near the 20 yard line, but We're Huge in Japan intercepted the ball to win the game 19-16.
Members of the winning team are Brandon Allen-Santos, James Davidson, Matt Davidson, Michael Deering, Nate Griffith, Cameron Jones, Erick Lewis, Gabe McCoy, Michael Morgan, Chris Simon, Jordan Urness and Jesse White.
PR/NEWS CONTACT: Judy Baker
Public Relations
Phone: 757.352.4307 Fax: 757.352.4888
E-mail: judibak@regent.edu
