Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern SAAC Hosts Fun-Filled Inaugural Kickball Game
6/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
June 1, 2011
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its inaugural kickball game Tuesday evening, pitting teams of local firefighters and police officers against each other in a friendly competition in Trienens Hall.
Members of the Evanston Fire Department and the Northwestern University Police Department came together to participate in the event, fielding teams that also included a student-athlete from each of Northwestern's 19 varsity sports. Associate head softball coach Caryl Drohan coached the police squad while head field hockey coach Tracey Fuchs mentored the fire department team.
"Our inaugural kickball game was a tremendous success," said SAAC co-president Jonathan Harris. "We had a great time with the firefighters and police who came out to be a part of the game and the Purple Pride Picnic. We can't thank them enough for their contributions and we are excited to make this an annual event for the community."
With storms in the area, the seven-inning game was moved into Northwestern's indoor turf facility in Trienens Hall. Helped by a pair of three-run inside-the-park home runs by Harris of the men's soccer team, the fire department prevailed and was awarded the Golden Gatorade Cooler trophy, which now will reside in their firehouse.
"I would like to thank the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for coordinating the Kickball match between the Evanston Fire Department and the NU Police," said Fire Chief Greg Klaiber. "Our firefighters had a fantastic time. We had some on duty firefighters attend and enjoy some good barbeque as well. We look forward to defending the Golden Gatorade cooler next year."
Held in conjunction with SAAC's annual Purple Pride Picnic, many student-athletes and NU staff members were on hand to watch the game along with family members of the police and fire participants.
"What a creative idea by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to team students up with the Evanston Fire Department and Northwestern University Police for a friendly game of kickball," Police Lieutenant Ken Jones said. "Although NUPD lost the inaugural game, the food and socialization afterward was well worth it. It provided the Evanston Fire Department and University Police an opportunity to interact with the students on a more personal level outside of the usual calls for services. We had a great time and can't wait for next year. I want that Golden Gatorade! It's on!"
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