Meet the Athlete Week: a new Aggie tradition
Members of the Associated Students of Utah State University are hoping that next week will be the beginnings of a new USU tradition. Meet the Athlete Week runs from Jan. 21 to 25, and will consist of various activities that give students a chance to get to know USU’s athletes.
“When I campaigned, this was my big thing,” said ASUSU Athletics Vice President Shelly Swasey. “We’re just trying to get people to see exactly what we have.”
Starting Tuesday, Jan. 21, Athlete Double Dare will be held in the Taggart Students Center Ballroom at 8 p.m. The game will pit students against club and varsity athletes, such as Aggie quarterback Jeff Crosby and recently crowned Big West Conference Player of the Week forward Spencer Nelson, in a variety of contests.
Wednesday, all club and varsity sports will have representatives from their teams in the Fieldhouse from 1 to 3 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the various athletes.
“It is a good opportunity to develop interest in new players,” said rugby club president Bryce Baxter. “It’s a chance for people to see how much fun we’re having and how much fun they could be having.”
At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, ASUSU will hold a party prior to the USU/UC Riverside basketball game in the HPER Building. Free pizza, face painting, and raffles will all precede the game — which begins at 7:05 p.m. in the Spectrum.
Friday morning there will be an open panel discussion featuring the men and women’s basketball teams. Students will have the chance to ask coaches and players questions, as well as preview a few of the players slated to play next year. The discussion will start at 10 a.m. in The Hub.
An athlete talent show will take place Friday at 8 p.m. in the TSC Ballroom. Athletes from both club and varsity sports will put their talents on display for the student body.
“Most students don’t get to see them away from the field,” Swasey said. “It will be a chance to see another side of the athletes.”
Prior to Saturday’s Aggie basketball game against Cal State Fullerton, a pre-game party will be held in the HPER Building. Again, free pizza and other activities will be available to students.
“Hopefully we can create some excitement for athletics,” said special events coordinator Marcus Wynn. “Hopefully we’ll have bigger crowds, louder crowds at the games, and in turn, help the athletic department out financially.”
–acfalk@cc.usu.edu