Who doesn’t want to see members of the student body and professors duke it out for supremacy on the pitch? Well, that’s exactly what will be happening on Friday, Sept. 15, as West Chester University will be hosting it’s first annual Student vs. Faculty Soccer Game at Rockwell Turf Fields at 4:30 p.m. (the field is across the street from Farrell Stadium, right next to the South Campus apartment complex).
The teams will play two, 35 minute halves, with a 10 minute intermission in between. Dane Gray, owner of Kildare’s Irish Pub located on Gay Street, has offered to soponsor a happy hour at the conclusion of the game for those that are of age.
For this edition of Hot Seat, I spoke to Pablo Delis, a Class of 2018 Chemistry-Biology major and honors college member, to dish out details on the event, as well as find out what he expects from the first ever clash between WCU attendees and their professors.
B.J. Boyer: How was the idea for a student/faculty soccer game on WCU’s campus birthed?
Pablo Delis: My father is a professor at Shippensburg University and he helps organize a student vs. faculty soccer game every year there for welcome week. I thought since an event like that could be successful at a university half our size, it probably would be great here at West Chester University. I also thought it would be a great way for students to get to know their professors outside of class.
BB: What made you guys go with soccer, as opposed to other sports such as flag football, volleyball or basketball?
PD: I chose soccer for several reasons. First of all, you can have a large number of people involved in one game. Second of all, it’s outside, so we can enjoy the nice weather, before it gets too cold. Third, soccer is a pretty universal sport. Most everyone has played on a team at some point in their lives and even with minimal experience it can be fun and engaging. Also soccer is my favorite sport!
BB: This game is meant to be fun and light-hearted, but do you anticipate some physicality and competiveness?
PD: I think it is definitely going to be competitive. Many of the faculty participants are former professors of mine, some of whom I would really like to get back at for the grade I received in their course. Also, this game is for bragging rights. If the student team beats the wiser more experienced faculty team, I’ll make sure to remind them about it for the rest of the year. Although soccer is a contact sport, I’m going to try and keep the physicality to a minimum. You don’t have to be very physical to play good soccer, and I don’t want anyone to get hurt at the event.
BB: Which faculty member do you think is going to showcase some sick hidden soccer skills during the game?
PD: I’m expecting some grade A soccer from Dr. Frost, Dr. Schugar, and Dr. Boyle. Dr. Burns could be a sleeper pick, but we won’t really know until the game.
BB: Who can we talk to about getting A’s in every class this semester if the students win by more than five?
PD: No negotiations or bets have officially been put on the game, yet. Dr. Pruitt would be the one to talk to. He seems a little overly optimistic about the quality of his team, if you ask me.
B.J. Boyer is a third-year student majoring in communications. He can be reached at WB806695@wcupa.edu.