Nov. 1, at Carnie Smith Stadium during the Operation Game Day football matchup against Missouri Southern, halftime featured the contracting of ROTC cadets, senior day recognition for football and band, and recognition of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Head football coach, Tom Anthony, said it is an emotional day for the community that has watched these athletes grow.
“The seniors mean so much to our program, the community, and to the university,” Anthony said. “They’ve committed so much time to helping develop the culture of our program. It makes it really emotional to see their time here coming to an end, because we’ve watched them all grow and develop into amazing men over the last four to five years.”
Athletic Band Director, Joseph Wilson, said the seniors deserve recognition for their commitment.
“There are so many things that make these students special to the university, the music department, and the organization,” Wilson said. “They deserve to be honored publicly for their leadership and commitment to the band, athletics, and for the gallons of sweat they leave on the field and in the stands every season.”
LTC. Dustin Blum, professor in military science, said for ROTC cadets, Saturday was a step towards military service.
“The contracting ceremony on Saturday is the first step for cadets to transition from student to military service,” Blum said. “Contracted students are those who have entered a contract and committed to completing the Basic and Advanced Courses of ROTC. Contracted students then enter the Army as an officer upon graduation, either on Active or Reserve duty.”
One of the ROTC cadets, Elaina Lee, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, said that with this sentimental big step comes benefits and responsibility.
“The importance of going through the ceremony is that you are officially a part of the military. You can start getting your scholarships and stipends,” Lee said, “as well as you now have the responsibility of being a part of something bigger than yourself. It is just one more step closer to being a fully commissioned officer in the military and getting to move everywhere. It is sentimental to people because it is a big step in your life, like getting a promotion. It should be celebrated.”
Football team captain Ryan Mederios, a senior majoring in construction management, said it is an important day for the football seniors as well. Some have been on the team for five years.
“Senior day is very important to me, especially when you have been at the same place for five years,” Mederios said. “It just rewards all the hard work and time you’ve put into the program.”
Daniel Roy, a senior majoring in music, is grateful for his time, but excited to move on.
“I am certainly grateful for the time I’ve spent in the marching band and at PSU, but I’m very much looking forward to graduation and beyond,” Roy said.
Mederios said Pitt State football and the brotherhood formed on the team have motivated him every day.
“Pitt State football has been everything for me,” Mederios said. “Playing the game is obviously great but what really means the most to me is the brotherhood we have. Having a brotherhood that is unbreakable and gets excited to wake up and give your best every day.”
For Lee, ROTC has been special to her college experience.
“I think ROTC is special because they expect the best out of everyone, and they are willing to help you better yourself and achieve that best version of you,” Lee said. “You have a more militarized schedule than a regular college student, but you still get to enjoy life as a normal college student. For example, I am also in Greek life, which is something that I would not be able to do if I was at an academy or at a senior military college.”