Homecoming

Meanwhile, from back home -

"Homecoming weekend for a group of women at the Colorado School of Mines means pulling flags instead of pulling all-nighters.

For at least four years, Mines has organized a powder puff football game, where interested women play flag football against competitors of the same gender. This year, six teams competed in a preliminary round, and the championship game was Saturday after the men's game against the New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys.

Though the sorority team Alpha Phi didn't advance that far, the players remained in high spirits despite its 24-0 defeat...On the playing field, the hardest part for the Alpha Phi girls is maintaining their competitive edge.

"It's hard to be angry," Saulsbery said, when facing fellow females on the line of scrimmage.

"It's such a small school, you pretty much know everybody," Waltman said. "It's hard to play against your friends."

But for teammates, the experience helps solidify friendships.

"It's a good way for our house to bond," Waltman said.

Though powder puff only takes place during homecoming weekend, it is one of many social opportunities for college women that take place throughout the year, said Cameron Bell, CSM public relations specialist.

"In addition to six varsity sports, 23 club sports and 12 intramural teams, women at Mines are encouraged to participate in Greek life, mentoring programs and a wide variety of non-athletic clubs," Bell said."

'For at least four years"? The powder puff games started not later than the mid-70's. I most definitely was there. Maybe they mean the concept of there being enough teams to actually need to eliminate some to get to a championship.

Back when I was a youngster, Sonny, we weren't worried about the women playing football. We were much more impressed that they had a championship rifle team.