by Noah Peterson
Multimedia Director
Rochester University’s cross country and track teams are beginning a year-long task to raise funds in hope of providing student-athletes the best experience possible during their time competing for the Warriors.
Andrew Bowman, head coach of the cross country team, and Marques Johnson, head of the track team, are coordinating the task of raising additional funds to provide a quality season for the team. The goal is to help cover costs for this year's team and for future teams.
Team members are raising funds by volunteering to work at Detroit Lions' home games at Ford Field, and at other events around the state, including one at Michigan State University and a race in the local area.
To date, the team has worked at six Lions' home games and plans to work at more to continue raising funds.
The team is also reaching out through in person and through electronic correspondence to find supporters who would like to help improve the quality of the program. In addition, funds will be coming from friends, families and local businesses in both the local community and from around the state with those that have strong ties to the athletes.
“For our team we’re very fond of saying it takes a village, and this is where that point is certainly exemplified,'' Bowman said. "On any sports team that isn’t football or basketball at a Power Five school (where universities typically have a fully funded department), it becomes necessary to raise additional funds in order to provide a quality season. We're no different here at Rochester University, and where the task falls to the coaches to organize, and coordinate, it still takes the participation of a team to get the job done (hence it takes a village).”
If you know of fundraising opportunities for the team or wish to contribute to support the team, contact Coach Bowman at abowman3@rochesteru.edu or Coach Johnson at mjohnson16@rochesteru.edu.
