The reformed Raider Rowdies offers free membership and prizes to students that attend Wright State athletic events.
In the past, the Raider Rowdies promoted school spirit, while another organization--the Raider Pack--rewarded members for going to games. This summer, the two programs combined.
"We had two competing organizations with the same goal: to sell school pride," Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing Mark Gazdik said. "This will allow us to do a lot more with the students and not just focus on these two programs."
Prizes, which escalate by attending more athletic events, include team apparel, discounts at the Student Union bookstore and free concessions at games. Other giveaways will be announced when sponsors are finalized. Still there are extra benefits for members.
"We're going to have special events and access for everyone that's part of the Rowdies to come out and meet our coaches and athletes," Gazdik said.
The new adviser of the Raider Rowdies, Corey Griest, believes the group can improve unity on campus.
"It creates a network of approximately 1000 students that follow athletics," Griest said. "They send out weekly emails about what events are going on. They help us with our communication lines on campus."
While prior membership remained around 1000 students each year, Gazdik and Griest want that figure to increase.
"We hope to get more members so we can maybe build some sub-committees and perhaps get new members to help out and volunteer," Griest said.
Although Griest and Gazdik expect membership to peak during basketball season, they hope the Raider Rowdies can promote interest in other athletics.
"Our goals are to continue to build student attendance and pride in Wright State," Gazdik said. "I know with Corey (Griest) and the leadership we have this year that we're really going to be able to build a great program."
