TIFFIN, Ohio – Less than a week before kicking off the 2026 season, the Tiffin University football team hosted its inaugural Kickin' Down Barriers Day inside the Heminger Center on TU's campus. Despite forecasted weather forcing the event inside the Heminger Center, a turnout of 97 participants gathered to celebrate football, friendship and community.
The sudden change from outside to inside was truly a team effort and I couldn't be more proud of our TU family," said Tiffin University Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach/Director of Football Strength & Conditioning
Zane Cox. "From our Tiffin athletics faculty and staff to our coaches, amazing student-athletes, marching band and even our own families- everyone stepped up and came together to make this event truly special."
"Seeing everyone come together, adapt, serve and find joy in making this experience special for someone else is exactly what Mudita is all about, finding vicarious joy in the success and happiness of others. Tonight was a perfect example of what can happen when people choose to celebrate others, serve others, and simply be there for one another. I'm incredibly proud of everyone who helped make it happen," added Cox.
The event served as an expansion of the program's previous Victory Day initiatives and marked the launch of the Tiffin University Athletics Kickin' Down Barriers Teammate Program, a year-round initiative designed to build meaningful relationships between TU student-athletes and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The Teammate Program will provide opportunities for inclusion that extend well beyond a single day, bringing participants together through social gatherings, athletic experiences, campus events and other activities throughout the year. Through these shared experiences, the program aims to foster lasting friendships while creating a stronger sense of connection, belonging and community for all involved.
"Seeing our student-athletes stand alongside individuals with disabilities not as separate groups, but as one team was incredibly moving," said cheerleading and STUNT head coach
Cassie Bump. "The joy, confidence and genuine connections we witnessed on the field were bigger than football or cheer- they were about belonging, acceptance and giving everyone the opportunity to feel like they were part of something. This is a day we'll carry with us long after the event is over."
Kickin' Down Barriers Day gave individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities the opportunity to play football, cheer and enjoy their "moment in the sun" alongside members of the Tiffin University community. The movement was inspired by Caden Cox, the younger brother of
Zane Cox. Caden, who has Down syndrome, became the first person with Down syndrome to score in a college football game. His experience as a student-athlete and member of a team inspired the Cox family to create opportunities for others with disabilities to be included, challenged, celebrated and given the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Each participant was introduced over the public address system before running onto the field through a tunnel formed by TU football players, cheerleaders, band members, family members and other supporters. Participants then rotated through skill stations. The Dragons also set up a mock defense, giving each participant the opportunity to run the ball into the end zone and score a touchdown. At the conclusion of the event, participants were recognized for their accomplishments.
"Kickin' Down Barriers Day always gives our program a perspective we can't get anywhere else. Watching our players and cheerleaders share this game with participants who are simply having the time of their lives – I won't lie, it gets me emotional, said football head coach
Zack Blair. "Pure joy, no scoreboard, just watching a community come together and supporting one another. It's a great reminder why we do this."
The Tiffin University football squad will open its 2026 season on Thursday when they travel to Jefferson City, Tennessee for a 7 p.m. matchup with Carson-Newman.
