As the leaves begin to change, the air begins to cool and everyone begins to dust off their sweaters and flannels, students await the high energy of the fall sports to come. For many fall sports is a time of getting hyped in the student section and enjoying a care free Friday night. 

However, many might not realize a great amount of preparation goes into making a Friday night football game run smoothly.

In his response to a questions that were emailed to him, Athletics Director Mr. Rick Streiff provided his insights into all that is involved when the Irish play a home game – a special challenge given that the varsity football team does not actually have a home field. 

He said, “A lot goes into the game: finding a place to play, finding officials, security workers, finding people to be scoreboard workers, 40-second clock operators, PA announcers, PA spotter and coordinating with the band for the national anthem.”

Streiff summarized his routine on the day of a home game, with “home” meaning anywhere from Arsenal Tech to Marian University.

He said he starts by making sure all the positions are accounted for. This includes game officials, security, scoreboard workers and other related personnel. He then puts the money boxes together and double checks that all the necessary positions are filled. He said he arrives at the games three hours before the start to set up ticket booths and make sure the field is in order. He will the greet guests for around two hours before the game then lastly welcome the officials. 

Up until this year, Streiff’s job at home football games was vastly different, as he served as the varsity coach. 

About his new role, he said, “There is a huge difference. (Before) I just showed up to coach. All the set up was taken care of. I only had to worry about the game.”