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Bendo Bowl

 This week for the Ohio Northern University football team we play against Heidelburg University for our last game of the season. This annual game is considered the Bendo Bowl short for Bendekovic Bowl. This game started in memory of the late Ronnie and Jason Bendekovic.  Ronnie was an assistant coach here at ONU at the time he died in 2005. Jason worked at Heidelberg when he passed away in 2010. They both passed away nearly to the same day just 5 years apart. The two coaching staff of Ohio Northern and Heidelburg University thought they should do something in remembrance of them. That is how the Bendo Bowl was created. Last year we played the Bendo Bowl in the spring and we came up just short to a very good Heidelburg team. That ended up being our last game of the year because of Covid cancelling our final game against John Carroll.

This year, I think means a lot to these seniors and to this team. I think most of us on the team would admit this isn't how we wanted our season to go. We have had some very close games and lost some heartbreakers and I think it is only right that we send our seniors out on a positive note. These upperclassmen and seniors especially have really molded me into the player and person I am today. Coming in as a freshman and getting the ability to start right away was very scary for me. These seniors took me under their wing and helped me get comfortable and play to my highest potential. So I think it is only right that we lead these seniors out with a big W. 

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