Graphic created by Steve Levering to represent The Schieffs
It started with a simple goal.
“I kept looking for a league to join, but the ones I found were all off-campus and took themselves very seriously,” said Steve Levering, strategic communication instructor and founder of The Schieffs fantasy football league. “I wanted something more casual and to include my work friends.”
So, Levering gathered colleagues and launched a league named after the college’s namesake, Bob Schieffer, with a nod to the Kansas City Chiefs. The league, made up of faculty and staff across the college, has provided a fun way to connect during the busy school year.
Chip Stewart, Ph.D., hands off the trophy to Josh Bentley, Ph.D., after winning in 2024.
Now celebrating its 15th season, The Schieffs welcomed a new commissioner this year as Levering stepped down. Journalism professor Chip Stewart, Ph.D., a four-time league champion, took the reins.
“The league is a great way to build relationships with colleagues,” Stewart said.
“We work really hard, so it’s nice to have something fun to share.”
Each week, the commissioner sends out a recap of the 12-team standings, filled with humor and memes. These emails often spark camaraderie and playful rivalries.
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Trophy
The Schieffs Trash Trophy
Shortly after forming the league, Levering spotted an old trophy in a neighbor’s trash pile. He picked it up, dusted it off, and declared it the league’s prize. Thus, “The Schieffs Trash Trophy” was born.
Throughout the season, players compete for the coveted—but quirky—trophy. Each winner gets to decorate it and keep it in their office for the year.
“We write the winner’s name on the bottom in Sharpie,” Levering said. “Many past champions have handed the trophy over to their kids to paint or draw on it.”
Despite its humble origins, the trophy is highly sought after.
“I really want to win. I’m super competitive,” said Kim Owczarski, Ph.D., film, television and digital media professor. “I already have a spot picked out for it in my office. My kids are tired of me talking about it!”
Data vs. Guts
When it comes to drafting a team, strategies vary. Some go with instinct, while others rely on in-depth research.
“It comes down to how I’ll feel cheering for these players week after week,” Stewart said.
Owczarski, less familiar with the NFL when she first joined, takes a more analytical approach.
“I do a ton of research to get a sense of the best picks for each position,” she said. “I usually try to grab a few rookies who might have breakout seasons—and then I hope for a good draft position.”
Dustin Hahn, Ph.D., holding the trophy after winning this year’s league.
For this year’s winner, Dustin Hahn, Ph.D., a film, television and digital media professor, fantasy football is a science. Specializing in data and statistics in his research on sports fandom, Hahn applies the same methods to his draft picks with a complex strategy.
“It’s satisfying to see how data plays out both in research and in the league,” he said.
After 15 years, The Schieffs remains more than just a game—it’s a tradition that brings colleagues together, fostering friendships one fantasy football season at a time.