This fall, Lourdes College marked a historical moment as the institution welcomed its first ever National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) student athletes. Area residents, Lourdes alumni and students are cheering on the Gray Wolves teams this season. A commuter campus since its establishment in 1958, Lourdes is now home to student athletes from nine states and three countries outside of the United States.
The women's volleyball team held the first home game in August and was victorious over Ohio State University at Marion, winning the match in four sets.
Lourdes' historic day began with the institution's very first tailgate party. "The energy and enthusiasm of our student athletes and their family members bring an unmistakable excitement to the entire Lourdes Community," notes Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, Athletic Director and Vice President for Student Life. "It was truly a memorable moment for Lourdes to host our first tailgate party, cheer on our Gray Wolves and celebrate the College's first ever Spirit Night.'"
Coach Greg Reitz of Huntington Beach, California, has assembled a great team. While most of the talent comes directly from the Ohio and Michigan areas, the team also includes members from as far away as El Paso, Texas and Kenai, Alaska! The Gray Wolves currently have a 13-9 record. During the season, they will host a total of three home games and two tournaments.
The men's basketball team is also making history. Coach Andre Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana, not only recruited the College's first team but also recruited so many eager student athletes that the institution now offers a Junior Varsity team in its first year of competition! Comprised of members from seven states and three countries outside of the U.S., the team begins their season on Saturday, October 30 at Indiana Tech. A tailgate party will kick-off the festivities of the Gray Wolves' home opener on Tuesday, November 23, vs. Madonna University at 7 p.m. at Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter on Sylvania Ave., the site for most volleyball matches and basketball games.
Lourdes' men's and women's golf teams hit the links in August. The eight-man and five-woman golf teams have showed spirit. The men won their home opener against the Red Wolves of Indiana University. "There's a new top wolf in golf now," notes Coach Scott Simon. "The Gray Wolves have made their mark this season."
The Gray Wolves teams are playing in the Independent Conference of the NAIA. Sports to be added in the 2011-12 season include women's basketball, men's volleyball and men's baseball. To learn more about Lourdes athletics, visit www.lourdes.edu/athletics.
First Published October 18, 2010, 9:29 p.m.
