Muhlenberg College Football Tour of Germany/Austria
Introduction
Muhlenberg College, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is home to the Muhlenberg Mules, a football team with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1900. In 2025, Muhlenberg will be participating in their 3rd Global Football tour, as the team will travel to Germany to play the Ravensburg Razorbacks. Muhlenberg competes in NCAA Division III and as a part of the Centennial Conference. The Mules have established themselves as a competitive force, playing their home games at Scotty Wood Stadium. In 2024, Muhlenberg was ranked 21 in the NCAA Division III preseason polls, known for a strong defense and emphasis on teamwork, and hopes to utilize this experience to create a cohesive advantage with their team as they enter the fall.
Head Coach Nate Milne focuses inward in everything that they do and understands the value these types of experience create for his team both on and off the football field. “I want our program to be unique. When I first traveled with Global Football I thought that the football piece would be the primary advantage that we would gain from participating in an international experience. I soon learned that the football piece, is not what is of greatest value on these trips. The team bonding experience has really helped our team grow in cohesiveness, and the experiences that we are creating for these kids lasts a lifetime.”
On the other side, the Ravensburg Razorbacks, led by Head Coach John Gilligan since his return in 2024, are a prominent team in the ERIMA German Football League (GFL), founded in 1987 and known for their competitive play in the Bodensee region. Gilligan, who previously led them to a GFL2 championship in 2018, aims to elevate the team’s profile through strategic coaching and community engagement, as noted in recent reports (Schwäbische.de – Gilligan’s contract extension and play-off success). Coach Gilligan is a coaching veteran, in his second stint with the Razorbacks. He returned to Ravensburg to further his impact on the game of football worldwide. “We are excited to host the Muhlenberg Mules in a game here in beautiful Southern Germany. The game against a College from the United States is gaining much attention, from both fans and players alike. We hope that this contest will be a building block in drawing interest to the sport of American Football. Speaking for the entire Ravensburg Razorbacks organization, we are thrilled to welcome the Mules and are looking forward to a great event!” Coach Gilligan’s previous experience includes time at North Central College, Elmhurst College, and high schools within the state of Oklahoma.
Trip Details and Context
On May 18, 2025, the Muhlenberg Mules will face the ifm Razorbacks Ravensburg in a historic game at Zeppelin Stadium, part of the VfB Friedrichshafen Stadium complex in Friedrichshafen, Germany. This match is described as the first college football game in the city and is part of a broader Germany and Austria tour, serving as a test for both teams during this period. Under Coach Gilligan’s leadership, the Razorbacks, have shown resilience, reaching the GFL play-offs in 2024 after a near relegation, highlighting their growing competitiveness (Schwäbische.de – Die ifm Razorbacks haben noch einiges vor). The game, kicking off at 13:30, is anticipated to draw significant local interest, with tickets available through this website. This event shows the global reach of college football, bridging American and European sports cultures, with Gilligan eager to showcase his team’s potential as outlined in team announcements (ifm Razorbacks Ravensburg – Premiere in Friedrichshafen).
Value for Muhlenberg College
The international trip offers multiple benefits for Muhlenberg College, particularly in terms of team development and institutional growth. Such trips are known to enhance team cohesion and maturity. For Muhlenberg, ranked highly in recent polls, this exposure can elevate their profile, potentially attracting future talent and strengthening alumni connections. The cultural immersion, including interactions with German fans and players under Gilligan’s guidance, aligns with the college’s educational mission, offering students a broader perspective beyond the field. Coach Nate Milne’s leadership, starting in 2018, ensures the team maximizes these opportunities, focusing on both athletic and personal growth, as part of their competitive strategy.
Impact on American Football in Germany
The game is poised to significantly impact the growth of American football in Germany, where the sport is experiencing steady expansion. With over 200 men’s teams and 40 women’s teams, the sport is gaining traction, particularly through youth programs and NFL games (American Football Association of Germany). Coach John Gilligan’s vision is central to this growth, focusing on building a competitive Razorbacks team to inspire local interest and participation. His strategy includes leveraging high-profile games like this one against Muhlenberg to engage fans in Friedrichshafen, potentially boosting youth involvement and enhancing the GFL’s visibility. Frank Kienzle, department head, noted Gilligan’s role in transforming the team from an underdog to a contender in 2024, aligning with trends like increasing NFL game attendance in Germany (Schwäbische.de – Kienzle’s statement on Gilligan). Given Germany’s strong economy and growing interest in American culture, this game could serve as a catalyst for further development, potentially inspiring more home-grown players.
Conclusion
Coach Nate Milne’s leadership in taking the Muhlenberg Mules to Europe, the third time he has provided this type of experience for the college players, for a game against the Ravensburg Razorbacks on May 18, 2025, at Zeppelin Stadium represents a significant milestone for both the college and German American football. The trip offers cultural immersion and team bonding for Muhlenberg, enhancing player development, while likely boosting the sport’s popularity in Germany through Coach John Gilligan’s vision of building a competitive Razorbacks team to engage local fans and inspire youth involvement. This type of event continues to be a catalyst for American football, fostering mutual appreciation and leaving a lasting legacy for both communities. Global Football, since 1996…