SMU Athletics introduced college athletics to new students early this year, holding talks at AARO sessions concerning the benefits of attending sporting events. 

Each of the 14 AARO sessions this summer included a “Red & Blue Luncheon” put on by the Athletics Department. The luncheon included a talk from an SMU coach to introduce incoming freshmen and transfer students to Mustang Athletics and the wide range of SMU traditions. 

Each coach discussed ways undergraduate student life would be enhanced by being an active participant in athletics and attending athletic events. 

Lexi Oman, SMU junior and former cheerleader says that visits like this from the Athletic department are important because “SMU athletics is a growing program, and the way to build a program is by getting new students and their families excited about attending games.” 

She says, “A team only improves when it is backed by fans that care about it and with families and students more involved, the teams will get better and traditions will begin to form.”

The Athletic Department feels that it is important to introduce SMU’s athletic department to students right from the beginning. “We want these incoming students to know that athletics are important at SMU,” said Brad Sutton, SMU’s Associate A.D. for Public Relations & Marketing, in a press release. “Sports play a big role here on our campus and we want them to come back in August excited about SMU Athletics and ready for the 2010-11 seasons.”

Incoming freshman Katherine Ladner was pleased with the presentation by the Athletic Department. “I came into AARO knowing that SMU had a great sports program, which made me excited to attend the school wear the red and blue,” said Ladner.