By Erin Moran

morane@findlay.edu

The University of Findlay Oilers football team reached a new high, landing the No. 11 spot in the nation with an undefeated 8-0 record. The latest American Football Coaches Association Division II poll placed Findlay just outside the top 10 after the team’s win last weekend against Ohio Dominican University, marking this as the highest national ranking in school history.

The team’s next matchup has attracted the attention of The DI Rejects, which sounds like an unfortunate name, but is actually the producer of the YouTube Small School Saturday show on YouTube. The UF Athletics page describes the show as a replica of “ESPN’s College Gameday to highlight and bring attention and buzz to the elite games that take place on non-Division I campuses.” That show begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 1.

The Oilers’ undefeated season has not only ignited a buzz in the athletic world but also around campus. School spirit is still catching up to the team’s on-field success but is certainly increasing.

“Students are definitely attending more athletic events,” said Colleen Steinmetz, junior exercise science major and student worker for Athletic and Recreational Services.

“I have been working tickets at almost every home game for football and I can see more growth in people going to games just from the beginning of the year,” said Steinmetz. “I do think last week was lower in students but community and alumni support was very prevalent, despite the cold day.”

The ranking is a testament to how hard our student athletes work and to the coaching staff and honestly administration as well, according to athletic director Jim Givens.

“I’m very proud of our entire staff, and our student athletes for the commitment that they make because commitment is not a word that many hear much of anymore but Findlay is special,” said Givens. “We want to make our campus proud and our community proud and show people that we can keep going.”

With the team doing so well it would be expected to see community support from campus and the greater community. However, enthusiasm around campus is building slowly.

“People are starting to pay more attention,” said Tru Buddenberg, junior animal science major. “I feel like every week, more students are talking about the games and showing more support than I have ever seen in my three years here but it is still not what it could be.”

“Professors are also much more involved, and want to go and support their students, which helps non-athletes because they also want to be involved and a part of the community,” said Steinmetz.

Givens noted that the Oilers are seeing an uptick in coverage and media exposure, thanks to their success.

“We are getting more attention both here on our campus as well as outside of our campus. And obviously a part of that is because we’re doing well and we understand that if things go the other way, we’re not going to get as much, but we’re certainly going to take it why we can get it,” said Givens.

The athletic department has gained momentum in promoting upcoming home games and organizing spirit events such as the “Black Out” theme, where students all wore black for the night game to boost attendance and unity.

“I think there’s a little bit more of a buzz than usual because of what we did last year, and I think people are really interested to see if we can back it up,” said Givens, referring to the team’s 9-2 2024 season.

With just a three regular-season games left, the Oilers are aiming for a playoff run that could cement their place among Division II’s elite. A victory this weekend could potentially push Findlay into the top 10 for the first time ever, continuing a season of firsts for the team.

The upcoming games are crucial for the Oilers to solidify their top position in the G-MAC.

The Oilers play at Northwood University Nov. 1 at 12 p.m., at Ashland University Nov. 8 at 1 p.m, and the Battle of 224 comes back to Findlay when the Oilers take on Tiffin University Nov. 15 at 12 p.m.