The opening game of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish Baseball team against Lynn University Thursday night proved more successful than last year's game. The Sailfish won 3-2, with the help of an energetic crowd this year.
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| My PBA Cheer Squad friend Katie W. (left) and me (right) "cheesing." |
It must have been a combination of the PBA baseball team, Coach Gary Carter and Coach Kent Bottenfield's great dedication for this season. It could have also been the spirited fans rallying in the stadium that also helped truly hit the game out of the park. I think the promotion for this year's opening game, with advertising the setting at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., increased student awareness.
It must have been a combination of the PBA baseball team, Coach Gary Carter and Coach Kent Bottenfield's great dedication for this season. It could have also been the spirited fans rallying in the stadium that also helped truly hit the game out of the park. I think the promotion for this year's opening game, with advertising the setting at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., increased student awareness.
However, before the game, doubt was ringing in student's ears not only about the wavering stormy weather, but about the lack of support for the team. When conversation came up with students about the game earlier that day, people were initially shrugging it off for homework or dinner. Although the excitement of going to Roger Dean interested most students, there was some lack of understanding about the importance of this baseball game and athletics at PBA in general.
Nonetheless, symptoms of apathy seemed to cease as word later spread around campus the game was still happening, despite the lack of school updates and lingering storms. It was evident when a good number of students showed up that the PBA baseball team is promised a solid season of support.
Some of the students in attendance included avid sports fans, girlfriends of players on the field and students finally looking to support the success of their school. Additionally, the PBA Cheer Squad continued to fulfill their pep duties, sitting as support in the stands with other students. Plus, representatives of PBA's Relay for Life group provided entertainment and raffles, including field games for kids and VIP tickets to West Palm Beach’s annual Sunfest concert.
The success of the game reverberated throughout campus and the community the next day. Students have been congratulating their beaming baseball classmates, and asking about the schedule for future games. Also, I could see the spirit of professors and staff who also attended, or were raving about the win. For example, my Communication Ethics professor, and a former PBA player, Dr. Tom St. Antoine, called it, with a twinkle in his eye, a "glorious game."
Overall, the majority of PBA students believe this opening baseball game will set the stage for future PBA athletic events, not simply because the team was successful last night, but because the student body succeeded in showing support.
Some of the students in attendance included avid sports fans, girlfriends of players on the field and students finally looking to support the success of their school. Additionally, the PBA Cheer Squad continued to fulfill their pep duties, sitting as support in the stands with other students. Plus, representatives of PBA's Relay for Life group provided entertainment and raffles, including field games for kids and VIP tickets to West Palm Beach’s annual Sunfest concert.
The success of the game reverberated throughout campus and the community the next day. Students have been congratulating their beaming baseball classmates, and asking about the schedule for future games. Also, I could see the spirit of professors and staff who also attended, or were raving about the win. For example, my Communication Ethics professor, and a former PBA player, Dr. Tom St. Antoine, called it, with a twinkle in his eye, a "glorious game."
Overall, the majority of PBA students believe this opening baseball game will set the stage for future PBA athletic events, not simply because the team was successful last night, but because the student body succeeded in showing support.
Did you attend the game? Will you attend the next home game?
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