CLAIRE WITTLIEFF
LAYOUT EDITOR
11/21/2022
On Nov. 19, the Alma College Scots gained a 41- 21 victory over Mount St. Joseph, still making the 2022-2023 team undefeated.
The Scots took the MIAA championship title on Saturday, Nov. 12 against the Albion College Brits. Much anticipation was building up on campus regarding the Nov. 19 game against the Mount St. Joseph Lions, with the Alma College Athletics social media platforms promoting the slogan, “Win or Go Home”.
Offensively, the Scots were led by QB Carter St. John (‘26) and RB Eddie Williams (‘‘26). The former threw for 2 touchdowns, and the latter contributed 2 rushing and 1 receiving touchdown.”
An anonymous donor provided a great monetary amount to cover the costs of students wishing to get tickets to the event. While Alma College has a policy in place that allows students to be admitted into games for free, the National Collegiate Athletic Association requires that all guests pay for entry as part of their tournament hosting requirements.
“I have a lot of good friends on the team, and I know a lot of the staff well, so it’s really exciting to watch their success and cheer them on,” said Payton Miller (’23), who is Student Supervisor and Broadcasting Coordinator for Alma College Athletics.
“If I could describe this year’s team in one word it would be relentless. This team has worked so hard all year and continues to put in the work to improve. It can be seen through our first 10-0 record in school history, conference awards, and individual player accomplishments,” said Miller.
“I love watching our men compete on the field. They play with unbelievable passion and love for this sport,” said Head Football Coach Jason Couch, who has coached the Alma Scots since 2018. “[The team has] completely bought in to the process of improving every day, [to winning each day]. We have 28 seniors committed to our KILTstyle culture.”
“Cherish our time together. We are one of 32 teams left in the country playing Division III football,” said Couch when asked what advice he had for the team.
Another proud Scot is Michigan Senator Gary Peters, an Alma College alum from the class of 1980 who was present on Nov. 19 for the opening coin toss.
Peters shared his school spirit over his social media platforms during the week in a video with colleague and rival Mount St. Joseph alum, Senator Rob Portman. “We are undefeated for the first time in 128 years. We are now in the playoffs for the national championship and we’re going to beat your team,” said Peters to Portman. Along with Senator Gary Peters, many other alumni traveled and tuned in to the game to show their school pride.
A notable aspect of the football team’s season so far is the excitement of the fans. “I’m super excited to just be in the game day environment and have a cool experience like this at Bahlke Field,” said Miller. Based on the turnout at the game and the number of viewers over the livestream, along with the atmosphere created, the Nov. 19 game had the feel of a second homecoming.
The team also appreciates the support. “Come to the game. Have fun, make it a party. It’s going to be cold, but warm up by jumping around and yelling for the Scots,” said Couch. The Scots won the first game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2022 Division III Football Championship and are now advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
“Alma just won 41- 21, their first playoff game victory in the history of the school and now they continue to go forward on their way to the national championship,” said Peters, following up with another post on his official Instagram page.
The team will play again on Nov. 26 against the Aurora University Spartans from Aurora, Illinois, but the time and the location of the game are yet to be announced by the NCAA.
