Sinclair athletic director Jack Giambrone said last years White Out Wednesday changed the culture of athletics at Sinclair. Giambrone wants to match last season and then some.
“The whole reason behind this (W.O.W.) is for the students,” Giambrone said.
The Sinclair Pride takes on the Cincinnati State Surge in the annual W.O.W. on Jan. 28. Prizes, entertainment, food and beverages will be handed out throughout the evening in the Physical Activities Center (PAC).
“This is our version of fan appreciation day,” Giambrone said. “We’re giving back to the fans that support us. We want to set another modern day attendance record.”
According to Giambrone, he wants the attendance for W.O.W. to reach 1,500 people. Last years W.O.W. drew an attendance of 700. Also, Sinclair will soon land into the Guinness Book of World Records, courtesy of W.O.W and a little creativity.
“We want to be the first to have the most people gathered in one place wearing white headbands,” Giambrone said of his soon-to-be world record. Everyone who attends W.O.W. will receive a white headband and a certificate. “If you have ever wanted to be in the Guinness Book of World Records, this is the time.”
The Main Attraction
The Lady Pride (7-5) kick the evening off at 5:30 p.m. as they take on the women’s Surge (10-3). As of Jan. 7, Cincinnati State ranked fourth in the nation. Heather Hassloch leads Cincinnati State with 19.5 points per game. The Lady Pride swept the Surge winning both games last season.
“If you haven’t seen our women play yet, they are unbelievable,” Giambrone said.
At 7:30 p.m., the men take the floor as the Pride (11-3) face the Surge (4-10). Free pizza and soft drinks will be available during halftime of the second game.
Last season was a nightmare for Cincinnati State men’s basketball. The Surge forfeited nine games due to internal problems, finishing with a 15-14 record. As of Jan. 13, Cincinnati State has forfeited five games during their 2008-09 campaign.
“They were ranked in the nation until they had a couple of players declared academically ineligible,” Pride coach Jeff Price said.
Free prizes given at W.O.W.
According to Giambrone, plenty of prizes, t-shirts, coupons, drinks and food will be given out during the game. Giambrone also plans on giving away a month of free parking on campus.
The Central State Pep band will provide entertainment throughout both games.
“They played last year and they tore the place up,” Giambrone said of the CSU Pep band. “They were awesome.”
Along with setting a world record, eating free pizza and watching a pair of basketball games, two half-court shots will be raffled off for a semester worth of books from the Sinclair Bookstore.
Giambrone wants to give the students the same message he gave before last years W.O.W.
“Get off of MySpace, get off of Facebook, and for a couple of hours you can get your bottoms here and cheer your hearts out for your team,” Giambrone said.
White Out Wednesday begins at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. Here is a list of events that will take place:
- The Lady Pride faces the women of Cincinnati State at 5:30 p.m.
- The men’s game follows when the Pride takes on the men of Cincinnati State at 7:30 p.m.
- Free white headbands will be given to everyone who attends
- The Central State Pep band provides the entertainment during halftime of the women’s game
- Free pizza party during halftime of the men’s game
- Help set a new world record with Sinclair and be apart of the Guinness Book of World Records
- Two students will attempt half-court shots worth of free books from the Sinclair Bookstore
- Free prizes and give-a-ways will be handed out through the night including a free month of parking at Sinclair Community College