Golden Flashes to Host Kent City Schools Day on Oct. 11
10/6/2014 10:50:00 AM | Football
KENT, Ohio- The Kent State University Department of Athletics will host Kent City Schools Day at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11 when the Golden Flashes football team takes on the University of Massachusetts at Dix Stadium. All students in the Kent City School district will get into the game for FREE, courtesy of PARTA, and parents will be able to purchase a ticket for just $7.
"Kent City Schools Day at a Kent State football game is a great opportunity to partner with our local school system, and it provides recognition and ticket discounts to the hardworking faculty, staff and students," said Kent State Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen.
Kent State will be recognizing newly appointed Kent Superintendent George Joseph during the first quarter break. Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Penn State before earning his Master's Degree in Educational Administration at Kent State. A native of Worthington, Ohio, Joseph began his career as an elementary teacher before moving into assistant principal and principal roles. He worked at Worthington City Schools since 2003, first serving in administrative positions at the elementary and high school level. For the last five years, Joseph served as Executive Director of Administrative Services for Worthington City Schools.
"We have a great growing relationship with Kent City Schools," said Kent State Football Coach Paul Haynes. "Our players love visiting the elementary schools and we want to keep that momentum going. We see a lot of local kids at our camps and two of our own players are Roosevelt graduates."
Also being recognized are the Benny Cowgill Award winners. Cowgill, born in 1979 and a proud citizen of Kent, loved sports and being part of a team. He was the quarterback on his eighth grade football team when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his right shoulder. Despite reconstructive surgery and removal of the tumor, it reappeared and his right arm and shoulder had to be amputated. However, Cowgill was not deterred, and he joined an indoor soccer team to improve his balance, made plans to run track and trained to be a place kicker so he could be part of the Roosevelt football team. He also excelled in the classroom, maintaining a 3.75 grade point average, and was often referred to as "The Can-Do Kid." Cowgill lost his battle with cancer at the age of 16, but his legacy lives on through the recipients of the annual Benny Cowgill award in recognition of their exemplary character and leadership skills.
"I look forward to the opportunity to enhance and grow the relationship between Kent State University and Kent City Schools," said Joseph. "Celebrating Kent City Schools Day at the KSU football game on October 11 is just a starting point. Our students and families are excited about the game and the recognition."
Courtesy of PARTA, prior to kick-off all elementary school children are invited to join the tunnel that the Kent State football team runs through to enter the field. They also are providing a post-game movie, Monsters University. Fans are invited to watch from the field or in the stands. Popcorn will be made available.
Parents who would like to purchase tickets must contact the principal of their child's school to obtain the link to order the tickets at the discounted price. All tickets must be ordered by 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10. This offer is not valid on the day of the game.
