Countdown to Cortaca, Part 9: IC Community Enthusiastic About Cortaca

By Patrick Bohn ’05, September 27, 2022
Students, faculty, and staff snap up tickets for the historic game.

From November 10-12, 2022, Ithaca College will be hosting a weekend-long “IC in the City” experience in New York City for alumni and current students, faculty, and staff.  The centerpiece of this event, the 63rd annual Cortaca Jug football game between Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland, will take place on November 12 at Yankee Stadium. To highlight this amazing opportunity, we will be publishing a yearlong series titled “Countdown to Cortaca: Bombers in the Bronx,” highlighting the entire weekend. 

Bryan Roberts and Mead Loop

Professor of journalism Mead Loop '88 (right) took in the 2019 Cortaca Jug game at MetLife Stadium with Bryan Roberts, associate dean in the  Roy H. Park School of Communications. (Photo submitted)

With the historic 2022 Cortaca Jug game at Yankee Stadium less than two months away, members of the Ithaca College community are eager to secure their spot in the stands. During the week-long campus community ticket sale window, thousands of specially priced tickets were sold to students, faculty, and staff.

Mead Loop ’88, professor of journalism and director of the sport media program, made sure to purchase his seats quickly, just as he did for the 2019 game at MetLife Stadium, when he bought 17 tickets and went with several friends and former students.

“I’ve been going to IC football games since I was a first-year student in 1984,” Loop said. “I’ve rooted for them for nearly 40 years. I was excited to go to MetLife and am excited to go to Yankee Stadium this November.”

Queens native Diana DeLuca ’23 is making the trip to the Bronx with friends from both IC and home, and is hoping that some members of her family will join her as well.

“I thought the weekend would be a fun opportunity to invite friends and family from home and have a good time,” she said. “Getting to travel to big stadiums like Yankee Stadium and Metlife is so cool. It makes me feel more connected to the college because you get to see how big the IC community really is and how we are all here for the same reasons. I’m excited to experience the atmosphere. I’m also looking forward to beating Cortland!”

Don’t Miss Out

There are only a few thousand Cortaca Jug tickets remaining. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Need a ride? There are buses available for students, faculty, and staff. Information on the buses can be found here.

For Jennifer Pawlewicz ’95, a career engagement specialist at IC, Cortaca is a tradition. She worked for the team when she was a student, and goes to the game every year, treating it like a homecoming. This year’s game has extra meaning, however.

“I am a lifelong Yankees fan and obviously I bleed blue and gold as an alum,” she said. “This combines two of my favorite things! I’m excited to see a football game at Yankee Stadium. It is just so legendary. I feel like I’m a part of history in some small way.”

Pawlewicz is attending this year’s game with friends, family, and many classmates.

“These games are some of the most visible markers of Ithaca College nationally. They also remind the country that Ithaca is big time in both academics and athletics.”

Mead Loop ’88, professor of journalism

“These are the kind of events that I get most excited about,” she said. “It allows me to combine my family life with my work life and still represent Ithaca College while meeting up with classmates and alums. And I absolutely love that it is taking place outside of Ithaca. It just shows the impact that it has beyond the borders of our town.”

The 2022 Cortaca Jug at Yankee Stadium is going to be a memorable experience. These alumni are just some of the thousands who will be in attendance, cheering on the Bombers and celebrating IC.

The national impact of the contest is also a huge draw for Loop.

“These games are some of the most visible markers of Ithaca College nationally,” he said. “They also remind the country that Ithaca is big time in both academics and athletics.

“When I go to New York City, I almost always run into another Bomber,” he continued. “This November the whole city is going to be Ithaca alumni, and that’s great.”

Come Join Us

Join Ithaca College this November for an exciting and unique opportunity to celebrate your reunion like never before!  There are countless events to be involved with during IC in the City — Reunion and Cortaca '22 . You can check out some of the opportunities and register by clicking here.