As part of the effort that resulted in sports historian Greg Tranter’s two-part article on the Buffalo All-Stars that appeared in the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 issues of Western New York Heritage, an historical marker has been installed that will preserve this important story for generations to come.
When Greg approached us about the story of the All-Stars—New York State’s first women’s professional tackle football team—he revealed that sharing the story with our readers was only part of the plan. He also wanted to work with the Buffalo Public Schools, the Buffalo Arts Commission, the mayor’s office and others to create an historical marker that would commemorate the first women’s professional tackle football game played in New York State.
On the morning of April 20, Greg’s goal became reality, as a small, but dedicated crowd of supporters gathered at Buffalo’s Robert Rich Sr. All-High Stadium to recall the achievements of this pioneering group of women, and to unveil the historic marker. As an added bonus, representatives from Section VI’s flag football program arranged for an exhibition women’s flag football game to be played in the stadium as part of the event.
Former All-Stars running back Sherrill Cooper shares her memories of making New York sports history.
Jennifer DeCroix photograph, 2024
The highlight of the ceremony was the participation of former All-Stars running back, Sherrill Cooper. She recalled her experiences and the friendships made as a result of her being part of the team, including the story of how she first joined under an assumed name—Leslie Lynn—so her family wouldn’t know. It was an honor and an absolute delight to meet and chat with this living example of Western New York’s rich and diverse heritage.
Playing even a small role in preserving—and sharing—incredible stories like this for a larger audience is what Western New York Heritage is all about, and we are so grateful to have been a part of this historic commemoration. We would like to thank Greg Tranter for his tireless efforts to preserve Western New York’s incredible sports history, as well as the other individuals and organizations who helped make the April 20 event a reality. Well done!
Gathered after the marker unveiling are (left to right): Paula Williams and Aubrey Lloyd, Buffalo Public Schools; Gerald Mead, Buffalo Arts Commission; Sherrill Cooper; author Greg Tranter; Nicole Drye, Deputy Commissioner of Community Services; and Marissa Dauria, Section VI flag football chairperson.
Jennifer DeCroix photograph, 2024
