The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee introduced the Lakeland Muskie Bowl on Jan. 21, 2025. SAAC’s initiative allows teams to earn points for non-athletic accomplishments and foster school spirit.
Teams gain points by participating in LU athletic events, maintaining good academic status, performing community service and qualifying for postseason play. Students can also gain points for posting about SAAC on social media and receiving individual awards, such as Athlete of the Week.
According to SAAC president, Katelyn Kitsembel, the purpose of the Muskie Bowl is “to get student-athletes to pay attention to their grades while diversifying and supporting other Lakeland sports teams.” She further added that the point system was intentionally developed to provide a fair opportunity for all teams by combining academic success, individual and team achievement and school attendance.
Athletes and coaches welcomed the competition. “Up to now, it seems like the coaches and the athletes are liking this idea since they jumped at the chance and started participating,” Kitsembel stated. She did, however, acknowledge that the biggest challenge in hosting the competition has been making sure that the point system is level for every athletic team.
In the future, SAAC intends to expand the Muskie Bowl to an annual competition. “This semester is our pilot, and we’re going to adjust the point system a little bit next year,” Kitsembel said. She urged teams looking to improve their rankings to make the most of every minute: “Get your coaches in on the academic side and get your whole team out there cheering for other sports teams!”
The Lakeland Muskie Bowl goes beyond just competition; it fosters team spirit, determination and school spirit. When teams root for other competitors and push themselves to provide their best efforts in each activity, they compete for the crown while developing Lakeland’s sporting community.
