Teddi Bowl 2024: A Historic Year
Sep. 24th, 2024 10:33 am
The 6th Annual Teddi Bowl was a tremendous success, and I am so thankful to everyone who made this event possible. From the student-athletes and coaches to the volunteers and supporters, it was a night filled with excitement, community spirit, and a shared commitment to making a difference for the children at Camp Good Days. This year’s game was especially meaningful, as it took place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of our cause.
This year's Teddi Bowl was historic for two significant reasons. It marked the first time Victor High School has not taken home the victory. As the consistent host of this event, Victor has faced different opponents each year, and this time, Canandaigua Academy claimed their first Teddi Bowl win. Congratulations to Canandaigua on an incredibly well-deserved victory! Both teams played with heart and determination, making for a thrilling game from start to finish. Though Victor didn't come out on top this year, their commitment to hosting and sportsmanship on the field were as strong as ever, and I applaud both teams for their outstanding efforts.
The 2024 Teddi Bowl was also historic, surpassing all previous fundraising records for the event. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, this event continues to grow, not just in size but in its ability to make a meaningful impact on the children and families we serve.
This was the first year I was unable to attend the Teddi Bowl, and I was devastated to miss it. However, from everything I've heard and the photos and the video I've seen, it was a truly wonderful time for our campers. Our honorary coaches, Jack Waterman and Jacob Wolfe, and honorary cheerleaders, McKenzie Dries and Kya Bach, had the time of their lives being part of a team, all thanks to the players and cheerleaders going above and beyond to welcome them and make their night so memorable.
The Teddi Bowl was modeled after the Courage Bowl, which was created to give our campers unique opportunities to be part of something special. I'm very excited about the upcoming Courage Bowl, which will be held at SUNY Brockport on Saturday, October 5th, at 1:00 pm. While the Teddi Bowl is a high school event, the Courage Bowl features a matchup between St. John Fisher University and SUNY Brockport, with the schools alternating as hosts each year.
A special aspect of the Courage Bowl is the Joe Lanzalaco Memorial Courage Award, which honors individuals who exemplify courage, strength, and determination and is presented at the game each year. This year, we are proud to present the award to two incredibly deserving recipients: U.S. Marshal for the Western District of NY Charles Salina and retired ATF Resident Supervisory Agent Mike Lawandus. Both of these men have demonstrated remarkable courage throughout their lives and have served as role models for those around them and the children at Camp Good Days—qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of this award.
Events like the Teddi Bowl & Courage Bowl combine my love for football with my passion for Camp Good Days, as they provide a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together for a cause that truly matters. I am deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support these games, our mission, and, most importantly, the children who benefit from the programs at Camp Good Days.
Thank you once again to all the athletic staff, players, volunteers, and families who contributed to making this year's Teddi Bowl a resounding success. We look forward to seeing you next year as we continue this incredible tradition!
