Regular Updates on Bobcats Athletics from Ohio Director of Athletics Jim Schaus
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| Your comments and questions are needed and appreciated. I want to know how you feel so we can be the very best athletic program for our university and community. |
August 4, 2008
There exists a valuable partnership between the community and Ohio University Athletics that is worth discussing. This relationship makes Athens a better place. So what is the value of Bobcat Athletics to our community and surrounding region? The answers are everywhere.
First of all, Bobcat athletics provides NCAA Division IA, year-round entertainment to citizens in Athens County and throughout Ohio. Through 16 men's and women's sports, the community can attend events for football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, wrestling, soccer, field hockey, swimming, track, cross country and golf. Nationally-recognized teams regularly visit Athens. The community has enjoyed many memorable games, teams, special moments and players since the 1800's.
Additionally, Bobcat sporting events have unprecedented economic impact to the greater Athens area. Each year, visitors are attracted to attend contests and purchase hotel rooms, patronize local restaurants, visit retail outlets and in general provide valuable and needed revenue to the community. Ohio University athletic events also contribute to increases in spending by those living in the area as well.
Ohio Athletics also fosters a sense of community pride. One can feel proud to be from Athens and southeastern Ohio as the athletic programs provide a sense of being a part of this area. Winning Mid-American Conference all-sports titles, competing in NCAA championships, garnering conference crowns and having Bobcat student-athletics accomplish an array of athletic and academic successes all bring pride to our community.
Moreover, Ohio University athletic events bring national and regional exposure to the area and state. Annually, there are millions of dollars of exposure that showcases Athens, Ohio and Ohio University. For example, national telecasts on ESPN, in addition to newspaper and radio reports throughout the country offer the community a spotlight that provides a myriad of benefits.
Even if you are not a sports fan, it is easy to see the value Ohio Athletics brings to our community. I encourage everyone to support the Bobcats and attend some events this year. We want to be your hometown team. It doesn't matter where you went to school or where you are from. If you live here, support the Bobcats because it is good for our community!
It is important to note that the community has given so much to Ohio University Athletics in return! We would never be where we are today or have a chance at growth in the future without so many supportive community members. It is my pledge that Ohio University Athletics will be weaved into the fabric of our community in all that we do. We will be committed to being even more visible and active in our area and region to give back whenever we can.
The strong heritage of Bobcat Athletics exists because of our community. I want to say a heartfelt "Thank You" to this wonderful community for all it has done for us. True success always comes down to people. Thank God we have the very best here in Athens.
