The athletic department held a kick-off picnic Sunday to meet the new student-athletes, introduce staff members, and unveil its new motto: Blue Devil Belief.
Sports Information Director Matt Palisin batted leadoff, encouraging all the student-athletes to follow the department Instagram (@fredbluedevils) and X (@FredBlueDevils). The weekly Athlete of the Week Awards -- announced on social media -- will again be sponsored by The Angry Squirrel, with free food given away each Tuesday. The Angry Squirrel also catered the event.
Co-Athletic Director Angela Pucciarelli Rice introduced the staff, with help from two of her three daughters.
Student Athlete Advisory Committee President Maddie Payne talked about the Blue Devil Cup and athletes supporting athletes.
Co-Athletic Director and Head Men's Soccer Coach PJ Gondek unveiled the year's motto: Blue Devil Belief. Each student-athlete received a shirt with BLUE DEVIL BELIEF printed across the front. Gondek was followed by a video presentation put together by senior intern and Video Production major, Alex Needham.
The festivities wrapped up with the men's ice hockey team defeating the women's lacrosse team in table surfing. The laxers stumbled out of the start, allowing the icers to claim victory.
