Aug. 27, 2003

PUT DOWN THAT REMOTE!!! ... and get to the game.

The Patriot League proudly kicks off its 18th football season and 14th year as an all-sports conference this weekend. Almost every PL field hockey, soccer and volleyball team is in action, as well as three of the League's football teams.

Highlighting the full weekend schedule are home football games for Bucknell, Fordham and a cross-town game for Towson at Morgan State. Additionally, teams playing in home or local tournaments include the American men's soccer (D.C. College Cup) and Army volleyball (Army Invitational) teams. There are numerous other teams playing home games or against local rivals during the Labor Day Weekend (composite schedules are available on the League's website).

College athletics are meant to be experienced, not just for the student-athletes, but for the fans as well. There's nothing like being in the stands with family and friends and providing that extra energy for your favorite team. You can see not only the primary action around the ball, but the nuances on the perimeter that go into setting up an attack or defense.

There are other advantages of supporting Patriot League events. It's much less expensive for a family outing as opposed to the events you see on TV. Also, you don't have to sit through a myriad of commercials, and there's the possibility that someone in your group will be selected to participate in one of the fun activities many schools sponsor during timeouts and halftime.

We encourage all Patriot League fans to PUT DOWN YOUR REMOTE and participate in an event near you, starting this weekend. The student-athletes will notice and appreciate your support. More than that - you'll probably have fun.

One other note ... Media or web guides for the fall sports are available via the PL website. A Patriot League Football Media Guide may be purchased by clicking on the guide cover on the football web page, and web guides are on the sport pages for field hockey, men's & women's soccer and volleyball.

The 2003-04 Men's and Women's Basketball Prospectus is also available on both basketball pages. The primary basketball, baseball, softball and lacrosse guides will be available later in the academic year.

The guides introduce you to the teams, review the 2002-03 seasons, preview the 2003-04 seasons and detail the history of Patriot League play for that sport. We hope these guides enhance your enjoyment of Patriot League athletics.