Game Notes vs. Shepherd

Week 1 PSAC Report

2008 Football Media Guide

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg University football team is set to begin its 104th season of competitive football this Saturday when the team hosts regional rival Shepherd in the 11th Annual Great Valley Classic. Kickoff from Seth Grove Stadium is set for 1 p.m. Fans are also encouraged to arrive early as tailgating festivities will be taking place behind the stadium.

The game is being broadcast live on Shippensburg University student radio station, WSYC 88.7 FM and on the internet through the station's Web site here. Senior communications/journalism major Dan DiVeglio will handle the play-by-play while communication studies graduate student Andy Malnoske will be the color commentator.

The Shippensburg University Television (SUTV) crew will televise the game live on campus channel 75 and Comcast Cable 21 in Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Their feed will also be available via Web stream here. Communications/journalism students Matt Groseclose and Dan Loeper will handle the play-by-play.

The Shippensburg University Athletics department will be handing out 1,000 free shirts on Saturday in coordination with the game. The shirts are sponsored by Wolf's Bus Lines and feature the “Ship Happens” moniker on the front.

Shippensburg students attending the game are encouraged to gather together in the student section in front of the banner near the band. The "Red Sea" student section, led by Shippensburg students Jenn Szarzynski, Abbie Wahl and Ashley Martin, will be tailgating behind the stadium at 11 a.m. and providing freeze pops and sodas before the game. The group will be leading the charge from the student section during the game.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Fans traveling to the stadium will need to make some adjustments to their routes this weekend, as a majority of downtown will be closed to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday for the 28th annual Shippensburg Corn Festival. Spectators are suggested to arrive at Seth Grove Stadium via Exit 29 off Interstate 81 (I-81 to King Street to Queen Street to Richard Avenue to Prince Street) or via the Blue Mountain exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Saturday's game marks the 11th meeting between Shippensburg and Shepherd in the Great Valley Classic. Shepherd has won six of the ten games in the classic, which dates back to 1998. The Red Raiders last earned a victory over Shepherd in 2004, when Shippensburg started out an eventual PSAC Western Division Championship campaign with a 35-7 victory to start the season.

Shippensburg was picked ahead of Cheyney, Millersville, Kutztown and C.W. Post, a new associate member of the conference in football and field hockey. West Chester was voted atop the Eastern Division poll, followed by Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg. The Red Raiders return 22 letterwinners to this year's squad, including red-shirt junior split end Mike Harris, red-shirt senior linebacker Josh Oswalt and junior punter Kyler Ford.

Shepherd enters the 2008 season having posted a 32-4 record in three seasons and making three consecutive NCAA Division II Football Championship appearances. Fifteen starters return, including defensive talents Mike Spiegelberg and Mike Heatwole. Seven offensive starters are back, led by veteran signal caller Tyler Lazear and a group of strong offensive linemen that includes All-Star candidates Jeremy Hairston and tight end Ryan Lavin.

UNIVERSITY PICNICKING AND TAILGATING POLICY
 
Shippensburg University recognizes that athletic events are an important component of the University experience. Game day activities also enhance social interaction and build community.  Thus the following guidelines are designed to clarify individual responsibilities so that everyone may enjoy being on campus.
 
Definitions:
• Picnicking involves the consumption of food without any use of alcohol at the event.
• Tailgating within the context of this policy incorporates the use of alcohol in the picnicking activity.
 
General Guidelines:
 
• Tailgating and picnicking are only approved for:  (a) the grass area between Seth Grove Stadium and the practice football fields; (b) the grass area along the access road leading to the stadium; and (c) the commuter parking lot next to the baseball field.  These areas are designated for tailgating or picnics only when there is a home football game.
• It is assumed that tailgating will incorporate food into the activity.  Non-alcoholic beverages must be provided at the event for those who do not wish to consume alcohol.  It is further assumed that alcohol will be used in responsible and lawful ways.
• Tailgating and picnicking are permitted to begin two and one-half (2 ∏) hours before kickoff. 
• Alcohol consumption is prohibited during the game with the exception of the halftime.  People may participate in non-alcoholic picnicking activity during the course of the game, although attendance at the game is encouraged.
• Tailgating and picnicking are permitted for up to one (1) hour after the game has ended.
• All state and local laws and University policies are in effect during tailgating and picnicking activities.  Those violating any laws or policies are subject to removal from the tailgating/picnicking areas and/or possible criminal and university judicial sanctions.
• Only those individuals who are 21 years of age or older may possess, consume, transport, or store alcoholic beverages.  No person or group shall provide alcoholic beverages to anyone less than 21 years of age.
• The following items are prohibited:  liquor and spirits, beer kegs, party balls, multi-quart containers of beer, etc.  All drinking paraphernalia and drinking games of any sort are prohibited.
• All alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages must be in cans, plastic bottles, or containers made of Styrofoam, plastic, or a like substance.  Glass beverage containers are prohibited.
• The University reserves the right to restrict vehicle parking, to designate parking spaces, and to restrict access to designated tailgating locations or picnicking spots.
• Platforms and stages are not permitted unless approved by the SU Chief of Police at least five (5) business days in advance.
• Soliciting and sales are not permitted by anyone other than approved university affiliates with advance written permission.
•  Participants are expected to keep the campus clean and dispose of trash properly so as not to litter.  The use of charcoal grills and any manner of open flames is not permitted with the exception of small gas grills.
•  People are expected to respect the rights of others.  Everyone is expected to be courteous and refrain from the use of loud and/or abusive language, raucous behavior, and amplified sound.