Courage Bowl XXI Proves Once Again: It Is More than Just a Game

For the 21st time, St. John Fisher University football stepped onto the grid iron for the annual Courage Bowl, leaving it all on the field for Camp Good Days and Special Times.

More Than Just a Game

The longstanding tradition began in 2005 as a fundraiser to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, an organization near and dear to the hearts of many in the Fisher community for more than four decades.

Since 2014, the Cardinals have faced SUNY Brockport’s Golden Eagles after having previously played the University of Rochester in this beloved tradition. It was a fight to the finish, but ultimately, SUNY Brockport reclaimed the Courage Bowl title over the Cardinals with a final score of 38-28. 

As always, during the game, campers from Camp Good Days served as honorary coaches and cheerleaders. The campers attended practices in the week leading up to the game and participated on the sidelines, creating a unique athletic experience.

Honorary Fisher coaches Ayden Nicpon and Kayden Demarle led the Cardinals to victory with honorary Fisher cheerleaders Kya Bach and Nataly Humphreys representing  with Fisher’s cheerleading team. 

On the Brockport sidelines were campers Blaise Tremblay and Vinny Miller to help lead the Golden Eagles, and honorary cheerleaders Maylee Cross and Jazzy Antinetto. 

Courage Bowl Luncheon 

Ahead of Saturday's competition, representatives from both teams and universities gathered for a lunch at SUNY Brockport to kick off Courage Bowl and announce this year’s honorary coaches and cheerleaders.

Dr. Dawn Meza Soufleris, president of SUNY Brockport, welcomed attendees sharing the campus’ excitement for the annual tradition. Dr. Gerard Rooney, president of Fisher also gave remarks.

“What began as a matchup between two college football teams has grown into one of the most meaningful events in our athletic and campus life,” he said. “For our players, this game is a reminder that courage comes in many forms. It’s not just about their performance on the field—it’s about empathy, perspective, and purpose.”