Aug. 31, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- The wet conditions outside weren't enough to dampen the fun of the Wildcats' annual Meet the Team Night on Friday, Aug. 29. After moving the activities into Welsh-Ryan Arena, athletic director Jim Phillips kicked off the event by thanking fans for their loyal support of the 'Cats. Then, Coach Fitz fired up the crowd with some behind-the-scenes information, which included announcing the 2009 team captains and introducing the 2009-10 Leadership Council.
Coach Fitz also announced the winners of the "Ask Fitz" contest by bringing them on the court with him to read the questions they submitted online before the event. The winning questions were:
Do you ever run the halfback pass or the fake reverse? My flag football team runs those plays and they are awesome!
Submitted by Andy Brown, 7 years old
What is your favorite part about coaching?
Submitted by Mika Helfers, 10 years old
Aside from the obvious physical abilities, what other qualities are key to success at Northwestern? What role does Camp Kenosha play in developing a unified, team mindset?
Submitted by Rolando Lapid
"I was truly impressed with the friendliness, respectfulness and good character of all the players as they autographed Max's shirt & cap and Mika's stuffed animal, as well as when they played with them in the practice facility," said Laura Helfers, Mika's mother. "It is evident that Coach Fitzgerald, as well as your entire organization, is dedicated to instilling quality life values within your team, in addition to the superior athletic training that goes into being world-class athletes."
After the questions were answered, the fans broke out to nine stations to hang out with the team, which included passing, catching, punting and speed drills inside the Wildcats' indoor practice facility, Trienens Hall. Inside Welsh-Ryan Arena fans played bean bags, basketball and bingo, as well as took pictures and enjoyed complimentary snacks from Sodexo and beverages from Goose Island.
Fans also brought cans and bottles to recycle as part of the Wildcat Throwback program sponsored by Pepsi, which gave fans the chance to purchase tickets to Towson or Eastern Michigan for only $10 each.
"We were thrilled about the number of fans who took part in this new program," said Tracie Hitz, Associate Athletic Director for Sales & Marketing. "We are grateful to Pepsi for their support of the 'Cats which allowed us to pass along the savings for tickets to select home games to almost 200 fans on Friday night. "
Despite being one of the best values in the Big Ten, the Wildcats continue to make it affordable to attend a game this season. Plus, young Wildcat fans who put in the work at school are being rewarded by Coach Fitz and the 'Cats this season with new programs like Wildcats 3.0 and Purrfect Attendance, as well as the Bound for Success Reading Program that is now in its second year.
 Fans were able to take pictures with team members, including the offensive line.  |
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In addition to these opportunities to earn complimentary tickets, the Wildcats have several special ticket discounts for all fans, including North Shore Community Day, Heroes' Day, Scout Day, Youth Football Day and more. Whether you win, earn or buy your football tickets this season, be sure to arrive early to enjoy the free pregame fan fest area, Wildcat Alley, which features games, face painting, food, the Marching Band, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat, free Goose Island Beer Garden and much more.
For information about Wildcat Football Gamedays, check the Fan Zone on NUsports.com or e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. Plus, hear straight from the 'Cats by joining us on Facebook or by following us on Twitter.
On the way out of the two-hour event, fans picked up the 2009 Wildcat yard signs to display proudly outside their houses all season long. If you didn't get your sign, stop by the Wildcat Ticket Office to pick one up while supplies last. The Ticket Office has new extended hours this season on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9 a.m.- 7p.m.) and are also open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.