By TORI ADDISON
Staff Writer
The time has come Golden Knight fans; basketball season is upon us once again. Both the men and women’s basketball teams have a lot of events in store this season for the Saint Rose fan base, but these events cannot be successful unless, of course, you show up. The Athletic Department, as well as the basketball programs, has worked hard to compose a schedule of promotional events to ensure students and community members will have the best time possible at each home game.
Assistant Athletic Director Josh Jennings encourages participation to create a sense of school spirit throughout the college’s community, “I have been on campuses that are alive with enthusiasm and vibrancy. I have also been on others that have appeared to be spiritually dead. School spirit can come from many sources, but supporting intercollegiate athletics is near the top of the list.” He believes that school spirit not only provides a sense of positive competitive spirit, but will also promote unity between members of the Saint Rose community both during and away from game days, “The spirit that is generated from the game day experience often carries over to non-game days as well,” says Jennings. “Some might feel that such an attitude is unattractive of an institution dedicated to providing rigorous educational experiences that cultivate creative and spiritual gifts in students; but I would take the excitement and passion of school spirit any day. It makes life on campus much more fun and boosts morale. It also provides a sense of positive competitive spirit that can unify members of the Saint Rose community.” The events will not only help to strengthen the fan base, but also provide a positive outlet for students, “Our students are also at a time in their lives when they need to blow off some steam and have an outlet to relieve stress. Attending athletic events is a good way to channel energy and relieve anxiety. Our goal is to build a loyal and involved fan base that can serve the institution in many ways.”
Each home game will feature a series of events designed to further involve fans. There will be numerous chances to win free prizes embedded within each game. Jennings explains the basketball programs’ reasoning behind all the free giveaways, “Many of our fans have been coming to Saint Rose basketball games for years. Providing free giveaways is just one small way we can thank them for their support. These giveaways, in addition to the contests where fans can win prizes, offer everyone involved memories as well as a sense of pride and loyalty. We hope that everyone will walk away with something this year that has a Golden Knights logo on it.” One event that will be offered during half time of every game will be a “Shoot for Gear” competition that will allow fans to shoot as many free throws as possible in 35 seconds to win Golden Knights gear. Some of the other giveaways include schedule magnets, seat cushions, rally towels, Santa hats, and even food. Most of the giveaways are limited to the first 150 people who arrive so if you want in, get to the games early.
The athletic department is not only concerned with strengthening the fan base, but also with maintaining it. Apart from the more student based events, many others are aimed at supporting other organizations outside of the college as well as promote attendance from surrounding community members. “The athletics department as a whole feels it’s important to help the institution form a quality brand. As you know, Saint Rose is one of three (Albany High and UAlbany Alumni Quad) institutions that find a home in the Pine Hills neighborhood. By encouraging attendance at games and support of the College’s teams, the campus can draw in residents who might otherwise develop an antagonistic attitude towards the institution. These organizations are typically right here in our own community and it is important to engage them and give them access to campus through competitive athletics,” says Jennings. Organizations ranging from Coaches vs. Cancer to Stomp Out Homelessness will be honored throughout the season. The basketball program is also incorporating a night for youth basketball in which several youth teams from the area will play at half time. Those are just some of the events on the schedule; there are many more in store throughout the season.
Both basketball teams want to not only encourage support from their fans, but also want to thank them. Even with small ways such as free giveaways and community involvement, the athletic department can easily incorporate fans into each game. It is in your best interest as a student to participate in the scheduled events as well as attend home games to cheer on your fellow Golden Knights.
