The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Matthew Holzapfel Members of the Corvallis Pride women's football team (in white) compete against the Redding Rage in a game last year. The two teams recently merged due to small turnouts.

In its eighth season, the women's tackle football team from Corvallis is struggling for recognition and players.

The team, known as the Corvallis Pride, is part of the Independent Women's Football League that has 21 teams nationwide. IWFL is a full-tackle women's football league focused on promoting a fun and safe environment for women who play the game.

The threat of a smaller roster has always been a problem for the Corvallis Pride. In 2007 the Pride accepted players from the Eugene Edge in hopes of filling empty positions. The team still struggles to stay afloat due to a lack of players and financial support.

For this year's season, the Pride opened its arms to another team in need. The Redding Rage from Redding, Calif. was also struggling for players.

"They were also in the same situation," said Pride head coach Beth Buglione. "Instead of two teams in the same division struggling [for players], we decided to join together as one team."

With the two teams joining, the Corvallis Pride has a total of 23 players on the roster this season. The Pride has been undefeated.

"It is going to be an amazing situation that has never been done before," Buglione said. "They're pretty excited to join a winning program."

In an effort to involve the community with the team and raise money, the Pride has hosted many fundraisers, including selling tickets for their March Madness giveaway. They have also sold season passes and program advertisements.

The team also has a small group of sponsors, including The Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis, Willamette Veterinary Clinic, Mad Cravings, El Sol De Mexico, NW Graphic Imaging and Southside.

All types of women are welcome on the Corvallis Pride team. Any woman over the age of 18 who has current health insurance is an eligible player.

Albany High School teacher Leah Hinkle is one of the many diverse players of the team. At 5-feet-5-inches and 150 pounds, Hinkle plays center and middle linebacker.

"Most line people are a lot bigger than I am," Hinkle said. Size is no obstacle for Hinkle, though, in her sixth season for the Corvallis Pride.

Continued...

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