June 24, 2010
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By Leigh Torbin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Athletics is an essential fiber of UCF student life and, as thousands of new students and their parents come to campus every summer, they learn immediately about becoming a Knight.
Today it was football coach George O'Leary as is often the case. Sometimes it is men's basketball head coach Donnie Jones or any number of others, but each of the 16 orientation sessions at the Pegasus Ballroom open with a pep talk from a UCF head coach engaging the students about the way that their undergraduate student life and enjoyment will be greatly enhanced by getting on board right from the start with UCF Athletics.
After an entertaining talk from O'Leary this morning, the UCF Athletics marketing staff and the Marching Knights led new students through the "U-C-F Spell Out" for the first time to get them fired up for the long but exciting day ahead as they meet with academic advisors, select courses, learn about residential offerings, make friends and generally get acquainted with their new home.
"We want to show them that athletics is significant at UCF," assistant director of marketing and promotions Jimmy Skiles said. "Sports play just as big of a role here on campus as they do at any other state institution. These kids are here right now and will be back in August. We want them to go back home for the rest of the summer and get excited about going to UCF and being Knights. I hope that they stock up on their black and gold gear and are ready to come back in the fall ready to go as UCF fans.
"It's great that we get this opportunity to get the parents and especially the students involved as early as possible. It's good to talk to our newest students about the importance of getting involved in athletics. We like to show them that almost nothing gives students more pride in the school they're going to than getting involved in the athletic department and supporting their teams."
With about 1,000 students and parents often in attendance for each of the 16 sessions, the event also serves a practical purpose too.
"We have to educate the new students on how to get tickets and the athletics culture at UCF," Skiles said. "There's a booth in the student union where they can stop by and get student season tickets and also information for parents as well. Hopefully the athletics segment of orientation is both fun and informative for them."
UCF season tickets are available for everyone, not just new students and their parents. To unite behind your team and receive your free Knights Rewards Card's valuable discounts, reserve your 2010 football season tickets today. Call the UCF Athletic Ticket office at (407) 823-1000 or logon to UCFAthletics.com.