All throughout the year, tens of thousands of fans come out to support University athletics.
Decked out in brown and orange clothes, fans work almost as hard as the student athletes do by sweating every second of games, contemplating the coaching decisions and rejoicing over a victory in support of one of the 18 varsity programs the athletic department helps put on the field, court, track or pool.
On Friday,’ over 140 alumni, faculty, administrators and University supporters turned out for the Third Annual Falcon Bash.
Day long festivities which included a round of golf in the afternoon at Forrest Creason, and video games, silent auctions, and casino-like activities in the Sebo Center during the night, all contributed to scholarships for student athletes and the athletic department.’
In total, an estimated $20,000 was raised during the athletic department’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
‘It’s always a great opportunity to bring together Falcon supporters of BG athletics,’ said University Athletic Director Greg Christopher.
Some of the University’s most prestigious members were in attendance, including President Carol Cartwright who was sharing stories of how well she did playing Wii Bowling in the Sebo Center.
‘I think it’s very important to acknowledge supporters and fans like this,’ Cartwright said. ‘This is about having fun and raising some money [at the same time].’
Having this event not only gives the athletic department the chance to say thank you to fans, but also puts morale back into’ during the offseason.
‘You are going to build momentum, support and excitement for the athletic program,’ Cartwright said.
But momentum could be halted with the possibility of losing one or more of the athletic teams.
While he enjoys fundraisers supporting student athletes, former psychology professor Russ Veitch said a sole event like this is not enough to maintain the amount of money needed to fund all 18 teams.
‘An event like this is irrelevant,’ he said. ‘The continuation [of University teams] is going to depend on factors other than this.’
Earlier in the year, rumors circulated over the life of the hockey program due to budget concerns, but those rumors ended when the team finished their season. The possibility of teams in the near future being cut from the University’s budget exists.
Christopher reiterated the importance of maintaining all 18 programs for the long-term future of the school in terms of giving fans teams to root for and student athletes a place to play.
Veitch, who regularly attends hockey, women’s basketball and men’s tennis contests, admits no athletic program can exist without the scholarships and donations to fundraising events.
While making sure scholarships are available, the University also wants to get the best student athletes possible and it starts by having enough resources at the University’s disposal, said Mary Ellen Gillespie, Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
‘This outing goes to support all 18 programs to be as competitive as they can be and to compete for Mid-American Conference Championships every season,’ Gillespie said. ‘Events like this make it possible.’
And while he recognizes the fans support, Christopher tonight demonstrated in-person to those in attendance how much each individual means to the games, meets, student athletes and the athletic department.
‘We have an opportunity to say thank you,’ he said. ‘We appreciate every Falcon fan.’
