By Rachel Koniecny
News Assignment Editor
The second annual Bona Fan Jam will be held Saturday and, according to Seth Johnson, director of marketing and promotions of athletics, there will be some differences from last year, including the unveiling of the new Bona wolf mascot suit.
Johnson said the event begins outside at 4 p.m. between the Reilly Center and Sandra A. & William L. Richter Center and will move inside at 6 p.m. for the basketball extravaganza, which includes a shooting stars competition. The competition will include a men’s basketball player, a women’s basketball player and a staff member to comprise the three teams.
“We don’t really have a certain attendance number in mind,” Johnson said. “We want to provide our fans and our students a fun way to really kick off and get into basketball season mode.”
Johnson estimated 1,200 to 1,500 fans attended last year. Nyla Rueter, a senior sports studies major and guard on the women’s basketball team, said she thinks fans will enjoy the Fan Jam.
“I think it’ll be a good crowd as it most always is,” Rueter said. “Last year attracted more people because of the dunk contest, but I think people will be pleased about the setup this year.”
Rueter also commented on her goals for the season.
“I want to be highly competitive in our non-conference games and contend for the conference title, either tourney, regular season or both,” Rueter said.
Dion Wright, a senior sociology major and forward on the men’s basketball team, said he wants the students, fans and community to have a good time at the Fan Jam.
“I am most looking forward to the three-point [shooting stars] contest,” Wright said. “Last year the women’s team beat us, and it’s time for some revenge.”
Wright said he hopes for the men’s team to get 20 wins and have a chance to go to the NCAA tournament.
Johnson said the Fan Jam will have three inflatables, including a bounce house and bungee run inflatable, outdoors from the YMCA and CAB, pumpkin painting provided by CAB, meatball subs sold by Angee’s Restaurant, pizza sold by Domino’s, pulled pork and canned drinks by Randy’s Up the River, speed pitch from the baseball and softball teams, a mini tennis court, a lacrosse shootout, KanJam, cornhole and a Bonnies basketball experience.
“People will be able to come in and take pictures in front of a Bonaventure backdrop, put on some old uniforms and warmups and shoot out on the baskets out there,” Johnson said.
The Fan Jam will also include a new 21-foot video screen for indoors, said Johnson.
Vouchers for new student shirts will also be available at the event and shirts will be distributed at the Nov. 13 doubleheader, said Johnson.
“We’ve been working with an alumnus who knows what the students want to see on a student shirt and the student shirt will be better than any shirt we have ever gotten,” Johnson said.
Student shirts will feature a four-colored print with each undergraduate’s name on the back.
Johnson said there is an excitement surrounding both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
“Students need to get ready, as both coaches will tell them that we need them,” Johnson said. “They’re the most important aspect of this place.”
koniecr14@bonaventure.edu
