At Benilde-St. Margaret’s, the football team welcomes anyone willing to show up and put in the work. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing for years or are just starting. Head Coach Brad Anderson runs a program on effort, growth, and teamwork, where every player matters, whether they’re on the field or learning from the sidelines. For many players, it’s more than just a sport; it’s a place to belong, improve, and be part of something bigger than football.
Varsity football players had many different opinions on the no-cut policy. Some agreed with the inclusive approach, believing it provided everyone with an opportunity and space to grow regardless of their current skill level. Others felt that it lowered the team’s competitive standards and crowded the sidelines, potentially causing distractions due to the large number of people. “I think it’s beneficial because we can include everyone and give everyone a chance to be a part of the team,” senior captain Peyton Meyers said.
Being a part of the football team here at BSM is described as extremely memorable, as it helps players grow as both people and athletes. Players are pushed outside of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to work hard and create bonds with their teammates. The bond between teammates can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your sport. “I definitely got better as a player and as a person. I got more responsible and grew my friendships,” senior Nate Dekowski said.
The no-cut policy originated from the idea of inclusivity and encouraging younger students to try out for the team. It was created to ensure that students who wanted to try out for the team had the opportunity without the fear of being judged for their skill level. Many players stated that the policy fosters a strong sense of community and friendship throughout the team. Being on a football team can be scary, especially as an underclassman. However, joining the football team at BSM will create a much different community. “We try to build them up, encourage them, and teach them the same stuff that we were taught when we were younger to help them get to the same level that we’re at now,” Meyers said.
While football can be a demanding sport, having a supportive community and team around you to help build you up and create lifelong bonds makes the hard practices, running, and conditioning all worth it. The team’s goal is to foster a sense of brotherhood. Part of their philosophy with their no-cut policy may seem too lenient, but they are a better option for many players. They believe it can be unfair, frustrating, and distracting, as it allows people on the team who may not be as dedicated or focused as others. Some players believe that taking the cuts as a positive can motivate them to work harder and take the sport more seriously. They think that if new players knew a spot on the team wasn’t guaranteed, it would make them stronger and more resilient. “I think it can also be bad because there are people who aren’t as talented who automatically get to be on the team,” Meyers said.
Another familiar deterrent for kids who want to join football is the risk of injury. The BSM football team takes pride in keeping its players healthy while playing. Football is a very contact-oriented sport, but injuries are much less common than is widely perceived. “Most of the time, people are nervous about getting hurt, but you don’t really get hurt in football as much as people say,” senior Milo Dungan said.
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s football team builds its team around the goal of creating memories and a positive experience for any student who decides to join. Football may be a rigorous and demanding sport, but it is surrounded by an environment that builds players up and accepts everyone regardless of their current skill level. The team and staff take pride in developing their players’ skill set, so irrespective of where they start skill-wise, their potential is limitless with the support of the coaches and players around them.