Megan Edmunds, LSSULakers.com
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- The 10th annual Women's Walk to benefit Lake Superior State University Women's Athletics will be held Saturday, November 3 at 4:30 p.m. on the LSSU campus. This year's event takes place during Great Lake State Weekend.
During the last nine years, the LSSU Athletics Women's Walk has raised over $385,000 to benefit each of the university's six women's sports teams. Athletes from the Lake State volleyball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track and field teams sell raffle tickets to raise funds for their respective teams, allowing them the means to compete at the NCAA Division II national level.
This year's Women's Walk kicks off with a social in the Cisler Center's Superior Room and includes hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, raffle baskets and alumni/student-athlete networking. LSSU President, Dr. Rodney Hanley is the event's featured speaker. The social is open to the public and free of charge, but donations to the cause are encouraged.
"The LSSU and Sault Ste. Marie community is coming together to support women in athletics," said Dr. David Paitson, Director of Athletics. "Research shows that women who play sports are more likely to complete school, suffer fewer health issues and be leaders in the workforce. We believe it is important to advocate for the equality in sports for women and the women's walk is a great way for our community to rally behind our female student-athletes."
Following the Women's Walk social, participants will join together for a ceremonial walk throughout campus from Cisler Center to the Laker Tailgate outside Norris Center prior to Lake State hockey facing off against the University of Michigan. The drawings for the $1,000 grand prize and the $500 second prize will take place at the game.
"The Women's Walk is a great tradition here on our campus. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate all of our great female athletes while raising money to help grow our women's athletic programs," said Brandon Lokken, LSSU women's basketball head coach. "We are excited about this year's event falling on Great Lake State Weekend and can't wait to see all the families, alumni and fans in attendance."
Individuals interested in purchasing raffle tickets for $25 each or making a donation to any of the teams can contact athletics@lssu.edu. The 2018 Women's Walk is sponsored by West Pier Place Apartments and War Memorial Hospital.