Dupage Policy Journal

The excitement is building as the 2023 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl approaches, and this year the event promises to be more than just a football game. The City of Cortland Mayor’s Office, in collaboration with the City of Naperville, Illinois Mayor’s Office, is proud to announce a friendly Mayoral Challenge to foster community spirit and support for local collegiate sports teams.

To encourage engagement and solidarity, Cortland Mayor Scott Steve has invited Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli to participate in this unique challenge revolving around this Friday night’s Stagg Bowl Game in Salem, Virginia. The game pits first-time bowl participant SUNY Cortland Red Dragons against defending NCAA Division III Champi­ons, the North Central College Cardinals.

The initiative is a friendly competition between the two cities to show support for their respective hometown teams. The losing Mayor has agreed to wear the winning team’s jersey to a City Council meeting. In contrast, the winning Mayor will be awarded unlimited bragging rights, symbolizing victory in the challenge and their city’s passion for local collegiate sports and town/gown unity.

“This Mayoral Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate our local sports talent,” expressed Mayor Steve.

“As a North Central College alum, I’m incredibly proud of our student-athletes,” said Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli. “Good sportsmanship and being your personal best on and off the field is part of the Cardinal culture, and this friendly competition helps us celebrate those important life lessons. That said, I can’t wait to see Mayor Steve wear a slightly different shade of red to a Cortland Council meeting.”

“We encourage everyone to show their support for our teams and join us in making this year’s Stagg Bowl an unfor­gettable celebration of sportsmanship and community. And I hope that Mayor Wehrli looks good in SUNY Cortland red,” added Mayor Steve.

Original source can be found here.