CMU Athletics Hosts Welcome Back Picnic for Student-Athletes

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CMU Athletics Hosts Welcome Back Picnic for Student-Athletes

8/25/2024 11:20:00 PM | General, Our Stories, Student-Athlete Leadership & Development

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Nearly 500 student-athletes attend annual Welcome Back Picnic; return to the Central Michigan campus for the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

By: Greg Hotchkiss

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Nearly 500 Central Michigan student-athletes from all 17 sports arrived back on campus and attended the annual CMU Athletics Welcome Back Picnic Sunday evening at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. Fall 2024-25 semester classes begin Monday morning at Central Michigan University.

The student-athletes were greeted by Central Michigan President Robert O. Davies, Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Amy Folan, Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Kelly Murphy, and Student Athletic Advisory Board President and volleyball player Allie Korba.

President Davis opened the evening by greeting the student-athletes.

"Watching you compete, watching you win and bring home championship rings has been the best," Davies said. "Just last weekend, I was cleaning out some of the things in my office—17 championship rings in the last six years, but more importantly, 372 athletes graduated. To me, that is the ultimate prize. So, keep on being amazing, keep on working hard, keep on representing this great university so well. I am proud of you and I will always be proud of you."

Folan then addressed the crowd.

"We are here to kickoff the year but also to know that we are here for you," Folan said. "We are here to provide the best student-athlete experience in the Mid-American Conference. The first two things we focus on is nutrition and mental health. This will be a great place and the best years of your life, but also things get hard. Make sure you take care of each other. There is nothing more important than your community and your CMU community of student-athletes. We get into academics and leadership development. Please make sure you use those resources. The last thing is your athletic experience. We want you to win championships after you get those degrees."

"I look forward to seeing you bring home those championships and get those degrees."

Gallery: (8-25-2024) Welcome Back Picnic for Student-Athletes

Dinner was served as the student-athletes were treated to barbecue, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, icies and water. Following dinner, student-athletes were entertained with games set up across the soccer/lacrosse field. Four Spike ball, six cornhole competitions, and four Kan Jam games were set up. A large Connect Four board, several bouncy house games and various other games were also on the field for the student-athletes' enjoyment. Additionally, a photo station was setup with a backdrop for students to pose for social media shots.

Earlier in the day, Central Michigan's soccer team played the first regular season contest on campus as the Chippewas defeated Cincinnati 2-1 at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.

—CMU—