ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ senior Brandon Baroody never expected something so simple to turn into something so special.

He was on ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Memory Mall in 2007 when someone asked him to play a pickup game of football. Five years later, the National Flag Football Championships Hall of Fame has honored Baroody for an illustrious flag football career.

Baroody was Β enshrined into the hall during a December ceremony in Pensacola. His co-recreational team wasΒ in the Panhandle during the New Year’s holiday to defend its 2011 national championship, but finished as runner-up.

He joins Drew Hill (2011) as the only two Knights to be inducted into the hall for their accomplishments while playing intramural sports at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½. Nick Brigati, a former ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Intramural Sports graduate assistant, is also in the hall for his officiating career while seeking his undergraduate degree at Ohio University.

Baroody is a four-time defensive All-American (2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011), making him only the fourth player to be named All-American four times in the history of the tournament. His on-field individual accomplishments include:

  • 2009 defensive MVP.
  • First player to receive All-American honors in two separate divisions (2011 co-recreational offensive All-American and 2011 men’s defensive All-American).
  • 2011 co-recreational offensive MVP.
  • Playing for 2009 and 2011 national championship teams (2009 men’sΒ and 2011 co-recreational).
  • 2011 national finalist (men’s).

    • Baroody credits his teammates for his individual success. β€œIf you’re team isn’t good, you don’t get recognized,” he said.

    He also credits the competitive nature of the Recreation and Wellness Center’s Intramural Sports program. β€œΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is a great place for competition,” he said. β€œYou get a feel for what it’s like playing in a tournament. To be good here you have to be good and organized. Once you get a taste of victory you want to keep going for more.”

    Baroody, a Miami native, is scheduled to graduate in May with a double major in marketing and finance, and a Β minor in accounting. He said success on the field can translate to the real world. β€œFlag football is a thinking man’s game. Seeing things as they develop and adapting to it,” he said. β€œAdapting during the game is what leads you to success.”

    Baroody’s co-recreational team also played in the NIRSA National Campus Championship Series title Jan. 4-6 on the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ campus, and the team finished second. Baroody is a five-time NCCS Β champion, including three straight titles in the co-recreational division:

  • 2008 and 2011 men’s national championship team.
  • 2009, 2010, 2011 Β co-recreational national championship teams.

    • ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Intramural Sports and the RWC are funded by the Student Government Association. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ flag football teams have won 10 national titles in the past 40 years