University of Rochester

Courage Bowl 2010

  • Gary Mervis

    Gary Mervis, founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times

    Courage Bowl arose from Mr. Mervis' idea to bring the excitement of football to kids in need.

  • Pre-game party with the Midnight Ramblers

    Pre-game party with the Midnight Ramblers

  • student painting a child's face

    Students apply pre-game war paint to participating kids

  • students with Rocky

    You can't have a party without Rocky!

  • Tree of Life in Genesee Valley Park

    Dr. Brad Berk is awarded the first Courage Award

  • football players

    The Yellowjackets take the field

  • kids with players
  • players and kids approach midfield

    Kids lead the players onto the field for the coin toss

  • kids shake players hands

    Good luck wishes all around

  • The game

    The game

  • cheerleaders

    Anxiously watching the action on the big screen

  • crowd shot

    Cheering the team on

  • football players taking a fall

    Making a run for it

  • students playing kazoos

    Going for a new kazoo-playing record in the Guiness Book of World Records...

  • girl with painted face playing kazoo

    ...playing "Sweet Caroline"

  • image

    Good sportsmanship reigns after the game

  • kids holding trophy

    Memories for a lifetime


Courage Bowl VI took place September 18. This year the annual game between St. John Fisher College and Rochester was moved downtown to Marina Auto Stadium, and had record attendance.

The Courage Bowl benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, dedicated to improving the lives of children coping with cancer. Campers serve as honorary coaches and cheerleaders and attend pre-game practices. This year, Camp Good Days attempted to break the Guinness World Record for Largest Kazoo Ensemble with a crowd performance during halftime. As for the game, the final score was St. John Fisher: 49, U of R: 21.