Oakland University’s first club football team kicked off their first season Saturday, Sept. 7, to a elated crowd of over 200 students.  

The team played near campus at the Auburn Hills Civic Center, splitting the team to play against itself. Each side ran 15 plays and no score was kept for the scrimmage.

“This is a long time coming,” defensive tackle Christopher Harris said. “When we first started, this seemed like a long way away. There were a few bumps in the road, but we’re here. It’s the end of the chapter, but it’s also the begging of a new one.”

The team was founded in fall of 2012 by club president Dave Brosky, and has been busy building morale, funding gear and practicing for the coming season ever since. 

“My dream really wasn’t to start anything, it was just to play the game,” Brosky said. “It was a long process, and it’s still going on. There are guys on the field with no uniforms, which we’re still waiting to get in so everything can get rolling.”

The club had to provide their own equipment, totaling a cost of over $650. Larger early obstacles came with the loss of an early coach and benefactor, forcing the team find solace in a new leader.

“A couple months back, when a coach resigned on us, it really crushed our spirits,” Brosky said. “It’s been a roller coaster. We weren’t getting too much done, but then coach Manfroni stepped in, and  everything got really serious. He got us going.”

The team now bands together under the admiration of their fans, most of which come to the events through word-of-mouth.

“We really appreciate people coming, because we put a lot of work into it,” Nic Bongers said. “This is a college football game atmosphere. We’re one team, and one family. We’re in this together, and we’re here to represent OU.”

Atop the energy from the crowd, the team provided their own vigor through the start of a pre-game tradition. They walk together, from the locker rooms of OU to the Civic Center, across Squirrel Road.

“We suit up in the locker room, then we all walk across the street together– car’s stopping and honking at us,” Brosky said. “It’s just a little tradition we’re starting. Everyone needs something.”

Looking to the future, Brosky hopes for the longevity of the team, and it’s growth of popularity on Oakland’s campus.

“For the future, I hope football can stay a tradition here at Oakland,” Brosky said. “Tonight is just a preview for what’s to come. I got a lot of hope for the growth of the game.”