The make-or-break game ended in a narrow defeat against the BOKU Beez
Playing before a crowd of some 600 cheering students, employees, and alumni at the ASKÖ Bewegungscenter, the JKU Astros, opens an external URL in a new window played against their most important opponent during the 2024/2025 ACSL summer football season on Saturday, losing just 13:16 to the BOKU Beez, but retaining an opportunity to still get into the play-offs.
One Game, Two Faces
The game symbolized a season of some setbacks, but one that was also marked by team spirit and solidarity. Following a rough start when two early touchdowns by the BOKU Beez quickly put a score of 0:13 on the scoreboard, the Astros managed to rally and running back Nils Kühn’s (#17, med student) powerful run brought the Astros back into the game. An interception by defensive back Jan Pfaffenholz (#5, WIN) shortly afterwards added to the momentum, bringing the score to 6:13 at half-time.
The suspense continued after halftime as Stefan Nösterer (#13, physical therapy student) intercepted another pass, putting the crowd on its feet! Quarterback Michael Deimek (#11, BusAdmin) steered the offense down the field, passing successfully to Philipp Hundertpfund (#9, med student). Nils Kühn once again scored the final touchdown. The Beez scored a late field goal, clinching the game by a narrow margin of 13:16 against the Astros.
Looking Toward the Future: Two Games, One Objective
Despite losing to the Beez, the Astros are looking ahead to the play-offs. Out of three games, the Astros have won 1 game and are currently second-to-last in the standings. If they want to write history and get to the play-offs for the first time, they will have to win both of their remaining games. They face their next competitive challenge on May 18 against the reigning champions, the Uni Vienna Emperors.
The JKU Astros: More Than Just Sports
There was more to the day’s events than just football. Studying at the JKU is about a sense of community, a shared passion, and unity extending well beyond the classroom. The JKU Astros symbolize this particular change by bringing people together, sparking emotional connections, and building a network that will continue beyond graduation.
Lorenz Wolf, head of College Sports at the JKU, remarked: “Our goal is to fill the Donaupark stadium to capacity, not just with fans, but with a real sense of pride in the university. I believe university sports are the catalyst! The main focus, however, is on the community. We Are JKU."
