In the fall of 2023, Capital University’s football program was celebrating a significant milestone: 100 years. A century of competition as the Fighting Lutherans, the Crusaders, and now the Comets. Generations of players connected to, not only a sport, but a way of life that led to friendships and mentorships that lasted long after the final whistle.
The team was also saddled with the previous season’s record: 0-10. Even with close calls and disputed calls, the Comets were unable to notch a single victory. Beyond the team’s morale, the evidence of this struggle was clear in the roster size.
Taken together, these facts demonstrated the opportunity for two reaffirmed forms of support. The first was alumni engagement. Capital’s football program has long enjoyed a rich alumni network, including annual events that bring alumni of all ages together. Not all alumni, however, were in favor of Capital’s decision to retire the Crusader name and logo in 2021. An effort was needed to demonstrate that no matter the name on the jersey, the team is part of the time honored tradition of which these alumni are so proud.
The second support needed was in the form of interested recruits. What could be done to demonstrate that the college football experience encompasses more than wins and losses?
This is where the asthmatic, uncoordinated University videographer enters the story. At the start of the 2023 season I knew little about football, but based on ill-fated attempts to play baseball and run track I did know that a winless season does not inspire confidence.
I wanted to highlight the dedication it took to perform at the collegiate level, the importance of being a part of a storied tradition, and the resilience of facing struggles head on in spite of previous challenges.
My work with Athletics up to this point had been celebratory, exciting, filled with pride. I knew this tone would be dissonant with the reality of a season that would likely include some struggles. More importantly, a highly polished snapshot would not be enough. A look into the people and circumstances of this program needed time.
Before the start of the season, I drafted a proposal for a short documentary following the season. Over the course of 10 minutes, a combination of inspiring highlights and insightful interviews would paint the Capital Comets in a new light, with the hope of re-engaging alumni and demonstrating to prospective students what a rewarding experience playing for the purple and white could be.
After socializing the idea and pitching to the Director of Athletics, I began interviewing coaches and players. In the weeks that followed, I developed relationships with current and former members of the football program. Through our discussions, themes emerged which tied together both past and present.
Facing numerous setbacks throughout the season, I approached interviews carefully and reviewed game footage patiently to find the necessary threads to develop a complete story. This included searching beyond my own means, contacting alumni, former vendors, and parents of players to build a stronger archive of assets for segments emphasizing historical components of the football program’s history.
Ultimately, the events of the season aligned both with historical matchups and the position from which I told its story in a way that celebrated victories without disregarding defeat. The resulting documentary was double the initial estimate. Sometimes less is more, but I felt it would be a disservice to the team to gloss over losses which were as hard fought as victory.
By the numbers, this story has been successful, to date the most watched video on Capital’s YouTube channel since the announcement of the new mascot in 2021. This project has also met its goal of re-engaging alumni through a significant amount of shares on social media and a screening at Capital’s homecoming in 2024.
Whether or not this project has driven interest among prospective students is yet to be seen. What is clear is that the most impactful stories are not always the most obvious or easiest to tell. A record, wins and losses, may tell truth, but there is much more truth to tell.
Senior wide receiver Mike Elmore holds the Oar up high after his game-winning catch.