Women’s basketball craves student support

The Rattlerette basketball team is working closely with the FAMU athletic marketing department to increase student support for the upcoming season.

Kenneth Plummer, assistant director of athletic marketing, has been working diligently to promote the team. One of his projects is a comprehensive intern program that is in conjunction with the School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Communication and the School of Business and Industry. This project will allow students to develop skills in media relations and business finance by working with the marketing team in organizing athletic events.

“I think the number of games won and game attendance go hand in hand, therefore I will help in every way to make this season one of the best,” Plummer said.

At every men’s and women’s home game there will be giveaways from Steak & Shake and other sponsors.

Plummer is content with the work that is being done to support the women’s basketball team.

“The work ethic that the coaches of women’s basketball have displayed will yield an extremely competitive team,” Plummer said.

The Rattlerettes are looking forward to improving their reputation on campus.

“The ladies are interested in developing a better rapport with the student body and also trying to break the stigma people have about athletes,” said assistant coach Niki Washington.

The team has worked with the Tallahassee Police Department and the Minority Outreach Program to promote the importance of wearing seatbelts. At the first home football game against Morris Brown Sept. 7, the team passed out “buckle up” fans to the students.

“Passing out the fans was to show appreciation to those who support FAMU athletics,” Washington said.

The team has also been going to local businesses and schools to promote their season. Empire donated the shirts that the team will wear on “Spirit Fridays,” when it makes an effort to pass out schedules to the games, answer questions the students may have and interact with students as much as possible.

The team is looking forward to upcoming events such as the Midnight Explosion. There will be a staff game, contests for the fans and giveaways. Midnight Explosion will begin tonight at 10 p.m. in Gaither Gymnasium.

The women’s basketball staff is very confident in their team for the up and coming season.

“We are looking forward to the first game with Eastern Michigan, I am anxious to see how the ladies respond to good competition,” said Washington.