Franklin Pierce Athletics Wins Inaugural Northeast-10 "Game Environment" Award of Excellence
In-game initiatives driven to increase attendance and fun for fans recognized at NCAA Convention last weekend in Atlanta
RINDGE, N.H. (January 21, 2010) – The
Franklin Pierce University Athletics Department was recently
recognized with the “Game Environment” Award of
Excellence for the Northeast-10 Conference. The announcement was
made at the NCAA Convention this past weekend in Atlanta, as the
national organization announced the winners from 10 Division II
conferences. By winning the award, Franklin Pierce received $500 to
go towards adding other features to its in-game promotions.
Franklin Pierce athletics has been very active in engaging campus
and community support for its teams over the past two seasons.
Beginning in the 2008-09 athletic year, the department introduced
“Pierce Pride” as a way to brand its home athletic
competitions. “Pierce Pride” events feature fun
giveaways to students and community members, in-game events and
prizes, and allow local youths to interact with “Rocky the
Raven,” the official mascot of Franklin Pierce athletics.
There have been several exciting promotions so far this season,
but three stand out as classics.
The department rang in the 2009-10 academic year with a Pierce
Pride Kick-Off Weekend on Sept. 4, which featured a doubleheader of
the nationally-ranked men’s and women’s soccer teams,
followed by a dazzling fireworks display over Sodexo Field. The
weekend concluded on Labor Day night when former Boston Celtic
Chris Herren spoke to the student body and local
community about his life-long struggle with drug addiction and how
he is currently going about changing his life for the better.
Athletics also held a Pierce Pride Night for the basketball
programs on Dec. 11 in The Fieldhouse. The department also honored
women’s basketball standout Johannah Leedham
during the night for her setting the all-time scoring record in
Northeast-10 history. Fans were treated to a display in the lobby
of the gym, which featured the actual game ball used during the
record-breaking shot and a framed portrait of the actual moment she
broke the record. The nearly-packed gym also got to see an exciting
women’s basketball game between two of the nation’s
best teams as the second-ranked Ravens took down No. 21 Stonehill,
77-66.
Franklin Pierce also hosted “Rocky the Raven”
Kids’ Day at The Fieldhouse on Jan. 9, as the men’s and
women’s basketball teams took part in a doubleheader. The
event was aimed at attracting local children to the game to watch
some terrific college basketball. A large turnout, including
several young children, took part in fun events and activities
throughout the day and won several prizes. Both teams took part in
a post-game autograph session as children got to meet their
favorite Raven players.
The exciting game environments were also heightened due to the
success of several teams this season. Fans who have attended home
events on the Rindge campus this season have seen the
nation’s top-ranked women’s basketball team;
nationally-ranked men’s and women’s soccer programs who
each advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament; the men’s
basketball program which got off to the best start in program
history in 17 seasons; a young field hockey squad which posted its
first .500 record or better since the 2003 season; a volleyball
squad which featured several seniors who achieved career
milestones; and an ice hockey team which is competing hard for a
home playoff game as the season winds down.
However, the game environment is all about the fans. Without their
excitement and dedication of coming to the games, these in-game
initiatives would not be possible. Franklin Pierce boasts one of
the most enthusiastic crowds (students and community) in all of the
Northeast-10 Conference and all of the school’s
student-athletes and coaches appreciate the support they
receive.
“Franklin Pierce takes great pride in supporting a positive
game environment for its athletic contests,” said Assistant
Athletic Director Dan Blair, who oversees the
special events that are planned for all home contests. “The
recognition must go to our coaches, student-athletes, the student
population of the University and the local community who attend our
events for embracing our efforts in support of a positive game
environment. Franklin Pierce looks forward to continuing to build
the momentum the Pierce Pride program has gained into the
future.”
Franklin Pierce athletics is currently selling raffle tickets in
support of attaining a new “Rocky the Raven” costume.
Tickets are $5 with the grand prize being Boston Red Sox tickets.
The drawing will be held May 2. For more information, or to
purchase raffle tickets, please contact the Franklin Pierce
Athletics Department at (603) 899-4367.
The next Pierce Pride event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6,
during the men’s ice hockey game versus Southern New
Hampshire at 7 p.m. in The Winchendon School Ice Arena.
For more information on Franklin Pierce athletics, please visit
the department’s official website at
athletics.franklinpierce.edu(.)
