Many who have played sports love to play in front of huge crowds.
As women’s soccer head coach Mauricio Ingrassia has said, “Who doesn’t want to play in front of a packed house?”
In order to make this happen, LBSU Athletic Director Vic Cegles implemented the Gold Games.
Each head coach from each sport picked one home game in which every student-athlete is required to attend. This is considered the team’s Gold Game. Most of the coaches pick a rivalry game or a specific game where they want more support.
“I think it’s been a great thing,” said Assistant Athletic Director Tim Dickson. “It’s nice to see [student-athletes] support the different teams.”
At the games, the student-athletes wear a gold shirt that reads, “Support the 49er Family and Take Care of Your Teammate.”
However, the games are not just mandatory for the student-athletes, but for all of the athletic staff. According to LBSU organizers, this allows everyone in the athletic program to come together.
The athletic department started this program in order to make the university’s athletic department feel more like a family. By attending the Gold Games, student-athletes are able to support each other and create a family-like atmosphere.
“The best way to support a student-athlete is to support them while competing,” said Life Skills Coordinator Candice Chick.
However, for many student-athletes, there is a minimal amount of time for activities outside of school and sports. Many players from different teams don’t get many chances to interact with each other. ‘
With the creation of the Gold Games, organizers said student-athletes now have a greater opportunity to get acquainted with one another. They can watch each other compete and bond in the crowd.
The new promotion was kicked off by the women’s soccer team on the Sept. 28 match against USC. The second was on Oct. 8, when women’s volleyball team squared off with Cal State Northridge.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” said women’s soccer head coach Mauricio Ingrassia. “It reminded me of a Brazil soccer game.”
Many LBSU student-athletes have agreed that the Gold Games have been beneficial.
“Seeing that much yellow [in the crowd] and school spirit pumps you up,” said senior soccer player Amanda Perry.
Those within the athletic program said they hope the Gold Games will become a tradition for LBSU athletics.
“[The game versus USC] is a great start to a tradition that hopefully lasts,” said Ingrassia. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”
The next Gold Game will take place on Nov. 10, when men’s basketball hosts Brigham Young University.
