By Madison Castle, Contributing Writer
For Daemen University, Buffalo Bills games mean more than football; they offer a weekly chance to unwind and reconnect before the week ahead.
With coursework and first exams approaching, students and faculty find a much-needed outlet to step away from school responsibilities.
“Watching the game allows for good vibes and sets a good tone starting the new week,” said Alyssa Kilner, a sophomore biochemistry major.
Kilner grew up watching football every Sunday with her family to reset before the new week. She has found that same sense of comfort at Daemen. Whether watching the games with friends or simply relaxing in her apartment living room.
“It feels good to take breaks,” she said. “Having the game on even if we are doing work is very calming and homey.”
Faculty have noticed the benefits, too. Douglas Kalinowski, professor in the Department of Natural Sciences, confirmed that he sees an increase in students’ energy after a Bills win.
He emphasizes the importance of students setting aside time for stress relief.
“Having something to do, whether it’s sports or something to relax, you’ve got to put
some time in your schedule,” Kalinowski said.
Football has been a personal passion for Kalinowski because it’s his favorite sport. Since moving to Western New York, he wanted to be part of the Bills community.
“I always look forward to the Bills game; it is something I really enjoy,” Kalinowski said.
Beyond stress relief, he said, discussing the Bills in class helps him to connect with students.
“I think that connection is something people always like,” he said.
For many at Daemen, the games also foster a sense of community. Watching together allows students to relax with friends, share experiences, and find a comforting environment. Kalinowski said the Bills don’t just provide connection on campus, but “it’s just a good positive thing for Western New York.”
“It helps bring students together and give them something to look forward to,” said Kilner.
“It really ties me and my group closer together and unifies the connection with friends,” said Joe Sankoh Jr., a sophomore biology major.
Sankoh has lived in Buffalo since he was born and started watching the Bills as a little kid. He’s experienced firsthand how the team brings the entire city together, and he recognizes that same sense of community at Daemen.
He added that it’s exciting to see the campus showing its spirit during the season. On game days or leading up to the weekend, “everybody’s got a Bills shirt on and everyone’s repping the Bills,” he said.
That excitement is growing as the Bills are off to a great start this season. “Just three weeks into the season, Buffalo is 3-0,” Steve Tasker told ESPN. He said that the opening weekend for Buffalo Bill’s was huge for their season.
With Buffalo undefeated, Daemen students and faculty have something to look forward to each week, whether it’s a chance to recharge, connect with friends, or feel part of a larger community.
As Sankoh put it, “watch the games, embrace the team, and celebrate the wins!”
Daemen’s Buffalo Bills spirit will continue off campus this month with the Bills and Brews, hosted by the Daemen Alumni Board.
The event will take place Monday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Magic Bear Beer Cellar, located at 799 Seneca St., Suite B, Buffalo, NY 14210.
The Alumni Board encourages all students, faculty, families, and alumni to come together for an evening of community and Bills pride, with “a chance to cheer, sip and celebrate Daemen and your Buffalo Bills,” a representative of the Alumni Board said.