Saints to Host “Tribute to the Troops” on Saturday
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Greg HadleySept. 3: The St. Lawrence University football team will honor those serving in the military on Saturday, September 8, with a "Tribute to the Troops" event, in conjunction with Fort Drum and the St. Lawrence University Innovation Grants Program.
Saturday's game against Norwich, the 2012 home opener for St. Lawrence at Leckonby Stadium, will include a variety of ways that spectators may honor the servicemen and women of the United States. The Saints will wear commemorative camouflage uniforms, which will be sold following the game. All proceeds of those sales, t-shirt sales, "Touchdowns for the Troops" and the 50/50 raffle will benefit soldiers stationed in the North Country at Fort Drum.
"We felt it was important for our team, our campus and our community to recognize the challenges that our soldiers face, not just while serving us abroad, but when they return home," said St. Lawrence Head Coach Mark Raymond. "We are thrilled to have this chance to raise money and awareness for our friends in Watertown, while learning a few things along the way."
On Wednesday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Eben Holden, St. Lawrence will welcome two guests from Fort Drum to campus for a panel presentation on the mental and physical challenges that soldiers face, and why events like those planned by the football team are important. Todd Benham, a physician and chief of the Behavioral Health Department at Fort Drum, will address mental and behavioral health, while Captain John Casas of the Surgeon's Office of the 10th Mountain Division, will address physical challenges. The event is open to the public free of charge, and is First-Year Cup eligible.
Saturday's football game between St. Lawrence and Norwich begins at 1 p.m. at Leckonby Stadium. Admission is free for those with a valid military I.D. T-shirts will be available for purchase for $15, while "Touchdowns for the Troops" will offer fans the chance to pledge any amount they choose per touchdown the Scarlet and Brown score in 2012. The first 200 fans will also receive a free St. Lawrence "spirit towel" to show their support. Information regarding jersey purchase will also be available on game day.
"We look forward to providing the opportunity to unite students, faculty, staff and North Country residents by rallying around the bravest of our society and establishing a strong bond between campus and the base," added Coach Raymond.
For more information regarding "Tribute to the Troops", call (315) 229-5986 or email Joe Keniston, co-director of sports information, at jkeniston@stlawu.edu.