As to the question of whether or not the new football team will can beat the basketball team’s initial success (in which the women's team brought home the championship) remains to be seen. But the Astros are certainly enthusiastic! Quarterback and JKU business major Michael Deimek remarked: "The Astros football team has progressed well in recent months! On one hand and in terms of play, we've taken a lot of steps in the right direction. On the other hand, the team spirit is outstanding and everyone is highly motivated!"

Marie-Madeleine Seehorst, a middle linebacker on defense, is one of the 40-plus team members and is very much looking forward to kicking off the season: "It's a lot of fun, there’s a lot of team spirit and we’re a real football family." The Astros are still welcoming players and Marie-Madeleine wants to encourage young women to try it out. "Just come by and see how it goes! There's a position for everyone. Our team is really open and very welcoming!"

Deimek says the Astros are realistic about their goals for the season: "The team aims to definitely to establish itself as part of the ACSL league, one play at a time." The first assessment will take place on Saturday, June 24, when the JKU athletes take on the BOKU Beez as part of a pre-game event before a league game between the Wels Huskies and the BSK Ravens.

Click here to learn more: JKU Astros test game | June 24, 2023 - ACSL, opens an external URL in a new window