Slippery Rock University prepares for a busy Saturday
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University has a big Saturday ahead.
The school will graduate hundreds of students for winter commencement at 11 a.m.
Then, at 12:30 p.m., SRU's football team hosts undefeated Minnesota State University in a Division II semifinal. SRU, which is ranked No. 8 nationally plays host to the No. 4-ranked Mavericks in hopes of keeping its perfect season alive and gaining a spot in the national championship game in Texas.
Robb King, associate executive director of communication and public affairs, said there was little that could be done about the conflicting schedules.
“It's business as usual on the commencement side and business as usual on the football side,” King said.
While university officials confer more than 525 degrees during the winter commencement ceremony, players will prepare to take the field and fans will tailgate and then make their way into the stands.
“I think it's really great for the school,” said Jonah Miller, an SRU sophomore who is an intern with the team. “There's a lot of support from the fans and the students.”
Miller said having the semifinal at home should bring a little magic as he has seen the team perform especially well at home when the crowd is behind them.
“There's one goal in mind, and it's a national championship,” he said.
SRU Police Chief Kevin Sharkey said both the football game and graduation ceremony will be staffed, with officers being redirected to the game and as commencement finishes up.
Sharkey said not all students are staying for the game, with some leaving after finishing finals. He expects the early departures will help ease overcrowding in the parking lot.
“Athletics does a good job of being in the lots and monitoring,” Sharkey said. “I think what helps is as finals go, some students will be moving out, so that will alleviate some of the extra cars.”Sharkey said the school's housing department is allowing students to stay until Saturday as long as they request it. A list will be generated that police will have to note which students are still on campus in case of emergency.The university police chief is also a huge fan who never missed a game and is excited to see the team come this far.“It's been a good ride. I'm hoping they can pull off another victory and head down to Texas,” Sharkey said.Mackenzie Gerhart, an SRU junior, said the team's playoff run has re-energized fans around campus and the community.“I feel like our football team hasn't been this good in a while,” she said. “For us to see them make it this far gives us more school spirit.”Claire Ciezki works at the bookstore on campus, where students can pick up their free tickets.“It's been pretty busy,” said the SRU junior. “We just had a big sale. There were people nonstop coming through.”She added how in addition to getting tickets, fans are also picking up shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and other Rock gear.“If they get tickets, they have something else in their hand,” Ciezki said. “They rarely come in just for the tickets.”SRU senior Tyler Miller has followed the team much closer over the past couple of weeks. While he lives off campus, he still expects to see a sea of green in the stands on Saturday because the university decided to keep the dorms open an extra Saturday.“It'll definitely bring attendance up for the game,” he said.Gerhart doesn't know much about Minnesota State University, but expects a tough match-up for The Rock.“It's going to be close,” she said. “I hope Slippery Rock (University) wins.”
