Most FC students associate the annual Powder Puff football games with Thanksgiving. However, this year’s tournament will be held during the spring, a break from the traditional fall season.
Student leadership adviser Jane Gillespie said that the change was made in order to benefit female athletes.
“The main reason for the postponement of Powder Puff was because of the conflict with our female athletes,” Gillespie said. “Many of the girls that wanted to compete in Powder Puff would not have been able to because of their current coaches. In the spring, there are fewer girls in conflict.”
In addition to providing for increased participation, Gillespie said that Powder Puff will offer relief from the academic stress associated with the spring semester.
“The most obvious benefit is that more girls will be able to participate if they want to,” Gillespie said. “Also, having the Powder Puff game in the spring will be a nice break from the academic aspect of school, since we have spring break so late.”
Despite the changed of season, Gillespie assures the students that the tradition will be carried out in the traditional manner.
“I do not think it will be different this year, other than the fact that it will be happening in the spring,” Gillespie said. “We did get kind of lucky, though, because the original fall date ended up having horrible rainy weather.”
For students like Stefi Peck, ’13, the postponement comes as a disappointment.
“I am really disappointed that Powder Puff has been postponed this year,” Peck said. “I really enjoyed watching last year; it was a great event.”
While some students may be upset about the break in tradition, athletes like senior Bridget Teixeira appreciate the change.
“Personally, I am glad they postponed the game,” Teixeira said. “Because I am an athlete, I wouldn’t have been able to play in the fall. Now that it has been postponed, I will be able to participate. Also, the weather will be much nicer.”
This article will be updated with specific details on the game once they are released.
For past coverage of Powder Puff, read the Nov. 8, 2009 article, Powderpuff switches gender roles.