The newest exhibit to grace the Massillon Museum’s “Paul Brown Museum” wing takes a look into the newest sport in the Massillon City Schools– flag football. “Play Like a Girl: Flag Football in the City of Champions” explores the game itself, the Tigers’ season, and the players and coaches who led the inaugural team to a 7-1 record and a chance to play for a state title.
Inside the exhibit, visitors will find several sections, all carefully constructed by curator Logan Carr. Those who are unfamiliar with the game will be able to learn about the rules and positions in this growing sport. Visitors will also be given a special look into the careers and lives of 7 players (all chosen by Head Coach Becca Moore for this special honor). The next section dives into the Tigers’ season and postseason action, telling the story through the work of local photographers. These photos are accompanied by informational plaques that detail the results of the games. At the end of the exhibit, visitors can find information on where the sport is headed and how student-athletes have increasing opportunities to continue their flag career at higher levels. The final portion of the exhibit will give viewers insight into Head Coach Becca Moore’s experiences of the inaugural season through a short 12-minute documentary clip. This short video is part of a still-under-construction documentary focusing on Massillon’s flag football team.
“Being commemorated by the Museum in this way means everything to this team, because Massillon is more than a town—it’s a sacred place in football history,” says Tigers’ flag football HC Becca Moore. “For these girls to step onto that legacy, to build something of their own, and to set records on the field at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium is profound. This isn’t something the inaugural team will ever forget or take lightly. They weren’t just playing a season—they were planting a legacy that will echo long after them. Any team granted the privilege of wearing Massillon Tigers across their chest understands they are stepping into something far greater than themselves. It is not simply a uniform—it is an honor earned, one many work tirelessly for and others only dream of.”
Being an inaugural squad of a brand new high school sport also had and will continue to offer exciting opportunities. “These first teams are doing something tremendously meaningful,” says Coach Moore. “They are laying the foundation. Brick by brick. Standard by standard. They are building their own legacy—one that years from now will be remembered, reflected on, and respected as the beginning of a tradition that started with belief, purpose, and pride.”
The exhibit opened today and will run through July 12th. The 12-minute documentary will have a special airing on March 8th from 3-5pm at the Museum. Remarks from Head Coach Becca Moore and Paul Brown Museum curator Logan Carr will accompany the screening.
