Safe Treat Event Dubbed a Huge Success
October 30, 2009 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 30, 2009
LUBBOCK, Texas - Wednesday night's volleyball match, which paired Texas Tech and eighth-ranked Nebraska, was just the beginning of an exciting, unique event for all ages at the United Spirit Arena. A "Safe Treat" event, which was planned by the Texas Tech Athletic Department's marketing group and hosted by various numerous student organizations from around campus, featured a costume contest and an autograph session and safe trick or treating excursion with the Red Raiders volleyball team all in the concourse areas of the USA. For the 829 fans in attendance it was a night to remember.
Between the first and second sets of Tech's volleyball match the Halloween Costume Contest named three different youth winners as it recognized the best outfits and creativity shown by the kids in attendance. The winners each won two tickets to the Red Raider Football game with Kansas on Halloween Day and an autographed game-sized volleyball from head coach Trish Knight and the Red Raider squad.
Abilene native Annie Lin, who was dressed in an amazing pink and purple cupcake ensemble, was one of the three winners. The next winner announced, a youngster from Lubbock, Wyatt Beaugh, may have won more than just the contest as he was the talk of the crowd and athletics staff, as he was just adorable in his black and white skunk costume. And, it was the undeniable resemblance of Lubbock's own, 9-year-old Aspen Frist's to the beloved Masked Rider that may have earned her the prize from voters. Frist's parents, Tommy and Misty, were thrilled to bring the family out and experience the different events going on Wednesday night, but they were even more excited to have had their daughter named as one of the costume winners.
"I went to Tech and so on many different levels this night has been exciting for me and my family," said Tommy. "Bringing the kids out tonight has been something that's exciting for them and we have really enjoyed it, too."
The student organizations were able to also enjoy the eventful night as they promoted their respective groups by each organization setting up their own booths around the concourse level of the arena with mounds of Halloween candy spread out across their booths for the young trick-or-treaters.
Some of the student organizations which took a part in the night included Tech PR, Mentor Tech Student Organization, Kinesiology and Athletic Society, Pre-Dental Society, and the High Riders just to name a few.
Courtney Hollums, the president of the Kinesiology and Athletic Society, thought the night was a great opportunity not only for her organization to promote themselves, but more importantly to have fun with the kids and see them smile.
"We love working in the community with kids no matter what the event is," said Hollums, the junior exercise and sports science major. "Candy is fun, kids are fun and I love to see kids smile."
Ironically, the Pre-Dental Society was another student organization handing out candy as they helped to inform fans about what it is they do and how they'll help them in the future if they eat too much candy. Junior Archie Westbrook described the organization as one that assists in the rigorous process of getting into dental school including conducting mock interviews, helping to build resumes and establishing a strong voice in the community with their dedicated time and service.
"Very few chances do you get to dress up and give out candy to young kids who normally don't get these opportunities," said Westbrook, a biology major from Lubbock. "It's really neat because it kind of gives you a chance to reunite with your childhood."
The scene was something new for the Red Raiders and student organizations but as many fans and athletic staff commented on the night, it was a positive event and was inspiring to see all the student involvement in athletics as well as their excitement and enthusiasm to be with kids from their community.
"We're really honored to help out with this event. It gives the kids a chance to see the campus, the student life and the Tech volleyball team," said Nicole Mitchell, the president of the Mentor Tech Student Organization. "And to see the students helping out and getting involved is very fun and exciting for us and the kids."