Professional football is a physical sport where men enter the field prepared to battle it out regardless of pain.

Today, that definition no longer stands true. Women will also be battling it out on the gridiron, but in a different professional league ? the Women?s American Football League.

Several Sacramento State students are vying for a chance to play for the WAFL?s local team, the Sacramento Sirens. Six players from Sac State will try to get past the team?s final cut on Oct. 20.

Representing Sac State are twins Lorraine and Denise Grandison, Narrmayet Taonus at wide receiver, Jeny Gardner at outside linebacker, Terri Sims at defensive end and Helen Storrs at tight end.

The task ahead for these women will be tough ? from the criticism they will have to endure, to the success of the league.

The WAFL, which was established in 1998, has become a merger of several leagues that have been formed. Sirens head coach Chic Bist, a former NFL player with the Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams, thinks what is happening is great.

“I think it (WAFL) will take off,” Bist said. “It?s a great opportunity not only for the players, but the community.”

The challenge that lies ahead for these women will be great, but they are ready for whatever approaches them.

“Men have been playing football since they were six,” Gardner said. “These girls are coming out and doing the same things as guys.”

The league, which will have the same rules as the NFL, will face far greater challenges. The women will have to prove themselves, just like other women?s leagues have had to do in the past.

“It?s like a new agency. It has to take time to build,” Sims said when referring to the league. Others compared it to the WNBA. Denise Grandison said the NBA did not take part in the WNBA until it flourished.

“They said the same thing about the WNBA, and look at it,” Denise Grandison said.

What this league and team will need is support. That is the only way the league will survive.

“Even if they think we suck, they need to come out and watch,” Gardner said. “You gotta give us one game.”

For most, this is a chance to live out their dreams, to be a part of history and to just play football.”It?s more of being a part of history. We are making an active statement,” Sirens tight end Julie Lara said.

The Sirens will play a 10-game season with their first home game slated for Nov. 4. All home games will be played at Cosumnes River College.