As part of the Framing Our Future strategic action plan, the Leveraging Athletics for Student Community Building working group’s primary goal is to increase engagement among the Wooster community by encouraging attendance at athletic events and participation in intramural activities. Through creating more opportunities for shared experiences around athletics, the initiative aims to strengthen school pride and foster a deeper sense of connection across campus.
A key component of this effort is intentional collaboration with campus groups, such as affinity organizations. These partnerships help bring different student communities into athletic spaces and create themed or collaborative events that encourage broader participation. One recent example was a partnership with Fraternity and Sorority Life to host an affinity game during the women’s basketball game on February 18. During halftime, a Hot Shot contest featured representatives from Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations serving as shooters and rebounders. Eight organizations participated, with Beta Kappa Phi ultimately winning the competition. Each organization was encouraged to wear their Greek letters, with the group having the highest number in attendance winning free popcorn.
Other campus organizations that have been showcased through this strategic initiative include the performing arts groups. In Spring 2025, performing arts students were featured at both men’s and women’s lacrosse games. Campus singing groups performed the National Anthem at the women’s lacrosse game, with students also performing a dance routine during halftime. At the men’s lacrosse game, a group of student musicians performed as a pep band. This performance ultimately sparked conversations that led to the development of a student-led pep band . Beginning in the Spring 2026 semester, the pep band, has performed at both men’s and women’s basketball games and has plans to perform at men’s and women’s lacrosse games this spring.
Another affinity group highlighted through this initiative was the international student community. During a men’s soccer game, the campus celebrated the 2025 World Cup champions from the international student population. As part of the halftime entertainment, student representatives participated in a shot-on-goal contest against the championship team’s goalkeeper. Throughout the game, several announcements recognized the organizations represented. These announcements included historical background about each group as well as information about upcoming opportunities for campus engagement.
These are the examples of our affinity group recognition. We have also worked to provide incentives for attendance with first year student orientation packets including a voucher for free popcorn at a sporting event. In addition, Football bingo cards were handed out in Lowry on two separate occasions. When you completed a bingo, you had the chance to show your ticket at concessions for a free item. We have had three different students perform the National Anthem at both football and men and women’s basketball games.
A key component of this effort is intentional collaboration with campus groups, such as affinity organizations. These partnerships help bring different student communities into athletic spaces and create themed or collaborative events that encourage broader participation. One recent example was a partnership with Fraternity and Sorority Life to host an affinity game during the women’s basketball game on Feb. 18. During halftime, a Hot Shot contest featured representatives from Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations serving as shooters and rebounders. Eight organizations participated, with Beta Kappa Phi ultimately winning the competition. Each organization was encouraged to wear their Greek letters, with the group having the highest number in attendance winning free popcorn.
Other campus organizations that have been showcased through this strategic initiative include performing arts ensembles. In spring 2025, performing arts students were featured at both men’s and women’s lacrosse games. Campus singing groups performed the National Anthem at the women’s lacrosse game, with students also performing a dance routine during halftime. At the men’s lacrosse game, a group of student musicians performed as a pep band. This performance ultimately sparked conversations that led to the development of a student-led pep band. Beginning in the Spring 2026 semester, the pep band has performed at both men’s and women’s basketball games and has planned performances at upcoming men’s and women’s lacrosse games this spring.
Another affinity group highlighted through this initiative was the international student community. During a men’s soccer game, the campus celebrated the 2025 World Cup champions from the international student population. As part of the halftime entertainment, student representatives participated in a shot-on-goal contest against the championship team’s goalkeeper. Throughout the game, several announcements recognized the organizations represented. These announcements included historical background about each group as well as information about upcoming opportunities for campus engagement.
These are the examples of affinity group recognition. Attendance has also been boosted by including a voucher for free popcorn at a sporting event in first-year student orientation packets. Football bingo cards were handed out in Lowry Center on two separate occasions. When students completed a bingo, they had the chance to show your ticket at concessions for a free item. Three different students also performed the National Anthem at both football and men and women’s basketball games.