Kirsh Pleads for Pierce Pride

"At the end of the day what the hell are we doing in Rindge, NH if we are not participating in events here," Vice President and Athletic Director Bruce Kirsh shouted to a crowd of over 200 students at the Field House on October 30.

Kirsh along with a Pierce Pride committee made up of Franklin Pierce faculty, staff, and students called for a meeting to promote attendance at athletic games and student and club activities.

The meeting was made mandatory for all athletes and recommended that each bring one friend as dozens of students filed into the Field House bleachers.

Kirsh was pleased with the large turnout of the meeting, and was happy to see non athletes in attendance as well.

According to Kirsh, over the last ten years, the Pierce Pride committee has been dysfunctional and it needs to be changed. Kirsh explained to the crowd how important it is for athletes to support other athletes, and other clubs and organizations. He started by pleading everyone to attend "Rage in Da Cage", which also took place the same night.

According to Kirsh, if athletes do not start attending each other's games, why would other people want to come to them. "We need to engage our own people first," he said.

Pierce Pride committee member and Freshman Experience Director Kristen Ferraro said, "Athletes need to get involved with other events and participate in other events on campus."

Kirsh also addressed the issue of Game Environment for Division II sports. According to Kirsh, Franklin Pierce wants to follow the NCAA Division II Game Environment policy where fans are encouraged to support their own team by creating a positive environment; without being hostile and using profanities towards the visiting team.

According to Kirsh, the school has been concerned with uncivilized behavior at athletic events and it needs to change.

To promote change, Kirsh had all the people in attendance sign an agreement, saying they will follow the Game Environment policy. If the student agreed to sign, they were awarded with white Pierce Pride t-shirts with the Raven logo on it. Kirsh hopes all fans will wear the shirts to future home games.

Kirsh also hopes to have the sign up sheets present at future home games, and said he will give the t-shirts to people who commit themselves to the Game Environment policy.

"When people come on campus, people are going to know we play the game right and we act in a proper manner also."

The Pierce Pride committee is working on getting a Pep Band for games and is also hoping for more prize give a way's during games

The Game Environment policy can be found on the Franklin Pierce Athletics page.