Stepping Up for Women's Athletics
5K Walk/Run Raises Funds, Fun, for Broncs
Over 150 walkers and runners put a little spring in the step of women's varsity athletics at Rider when they participated in the 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, June 14, at the Reunion Weekend 2008 activities on the Lawrenceville campus. All proceeds from the 5K Walk/Run will directly benefit Rider's 10 NCAA Division I women's varsity athletics programs, as well as the Broncs' cheerleading team, supporting the overall operation of these programs.
“This year's 5K Walk/Run for Women's Athletics was a tremendous success and that's primarily due to the dedication and tireless efforts of the planning committee, which was composed of Rider University coaches, faculty and staff members and alumni,” said Karin Torchia, associate director of Athletics. “Because of their contributions over the last six months, we were able to increase our participation numbers and revenue and stage a first-class event to benefit our women's athletics programs. This event wouldn't have been as successful without their hard work.”
The 5K Walk/Run stepped off at 10:30 a.m. on the Campus Mall, in front of Alumni Gym, and took participants on a looping, entirely on-campus trek that extended behind the Maurer Gym and the residence halls before returning them to the Campus Mall.
The registration fee was $25, but most participants raised in excess of that fee. “We asked each participant to raise or donate additional funds with a final goal of $100 or more,” said Torchia.
Tricia Carroll, who just completed her 14th season in the dugout as the head coach of the Rider softball team, said it was encouraging to see the support received by the 5K Walk/Run. “This was a great event; I'm so happy to see so many people come out for Rider Athletics,” Carroll said at the finish line. “We had a lot of student-athletes out here today, which was nice. They understand this was for them, and they are more than willing to do their part to earn that support.”
Jamiyl Mosley, area director for Residence Life, also participated, and said he enjoyed seeing former Rider competitors return to help their programs. “I like seeing Athletics alums here to support the department,” Mosley said. “Events like this keep people coming back and supporting the teams they played for.”
Torchia commended members of the 5K Walk/Run organizing committee, including Dr. Kelly Bidle, associate professor of Biology; Dr. Kathy Browne, associate professor of Geological and Marine Sciences; Vickie Weaver, director of Public Safety; Cathy Carter-Romero, director of Publications; Karen Moran, associate director of Alumni Relations; and Jaclyn Levi, assistant director of Alumni Relations. She also recognized the contributions of Diana Kayes, Rider's Sustainability Director, for helping to make the Walk/Run a green event.
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