CIU Today Fall 2016

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

CIU Night with the Columbia Fireflies

By Michael A. Lanier and Bob Holmes

The Columbia International University student body knows

how to cheer loudly – even when the home team is not the

CIU Rams.

This time the home team was the Columbia Fireflies playing in

their inaugural season as the capital city’s newest Class-A minor

league baseball team, an affiliate of the New York Mets. The

students were joined by CIU faculty, staff and a few alumni to

make up a large cheering section of about 300 people Aug. 30

at the new Spirit Communications Park in downtown Columbia.

“I loved the game, and I loved the fellowship,” said sophomore

Daniel Wolff among the CIU fans located just behind first base.

Freshmen such as David Atkinson said the game was an

opportunity to get to know upperclassmen

“I enjoyed hanging out with my new friends,” Atkinson said.

As the large video screen beyond the left-center field fence

rolled the names of organizations in attendance, an especially

loud cheer went up when CIU’s named appeared.

“The CIU Fireflies game was a night when community was built,

friendship was shared, and the joy of the Lord was shown to

Columbia,” said junior Caroline Crabtree.

“I’m hanging out with the big-timers,” said Dr. Wayne

CAMPUS LIFE

Rasmussen, director of CIU’s Sports Management program,

speaking of both the Fireflies and those around him. “I’m

having a great time, and I’m trying not to get hit by a foul ball.”

Perhaps the highlight of the evening for CIU came in the pre-

game ceremonies when Dean of Students Rick Swift threw out

the ceremonial first pitch. The pitch was a strike, sending a

rousing response through the CIU section.

“Rick Swift has a future in professional baseball,” said Dr. Bill

Jones, president of CIU.

The only disappointment of the night was the final score. After

the Fireflies came from behind to score six runs in the fifth

inning, they were defeated by the West Virginia Power in 10

innings 7-6.

Dean of Students

Rick Swift throws

ceremonial first pitch.

CAMPUS LIFE

CIU Today

Fall 2016