Feb. 5, 2010

Just a few steps away from Millett Hall, Brandon McFarland and Hepburn Residence Halls are a part of the RedHawk Traditions Living Learning Community (LLC). RedHawk Traditions encompasses three learning objectives which include Traditions, History and Athletics. Miami Athletics has taken an active role in the partnership, serving on their Advisory Board as well as providing opportunities for students at games. While, not formally recognized as a LLC until 2007 the history between Miami Athletics and the Residence Halls goes much further in history.

Many people know of the storied Cradle of Coaches at Miami University. However, there are few that know the behind-the-scenes stories of the Coaches before they were "somebody." Miami Alumnus, Terance Moore knows these stories and has often told the stories through his writing through the decades.

In one article by Terance Moore, he states "This was one of 36 dorms on a campus of around 15,000 students, and like those others, Hepburn Hall was for anybody....It just happened. It happened fast, and it happened big time. For instance, regarding the sporting universe, our Hepburn Hall produced....Two guys who captured national and conference Coach Of The Year honors at the Division I-A level of college football. A member of the NFL All-Rookie team who became a prolific runner in the league for a decade. A starting second baseman for a dozen years in the major leagues. A veteran pitcher who helped set the foundation for a team's record 14 consecutive division titles. An NFL offensive coordinator who was among the original icons of an expansion team. A multiple award-winning baseball coach who has taken his team to three College World Series trips. An accomplished minor-league manager for a storied franchise. A Division II athletic director." (taken from Illini's Ron Zook was one of us, NCAA Football FanHouse, September 2009)

Currently, RedHawk Traditions residents receive 50 yard line seating at Yager Stadium, as well as preferred student seating at Millett Hall for Basketball games. Miami Athletics strives to provide a platform for the LLC to reach its learning objectives. As well as, several Miami Student-Athletes choose to live in RedHawk Traditions in their first year, providing a unique opportunity to meet other student with similar interests.

Resident Advisor Monica Lewe states "Being a student in RedHawk Traditions, I was able to meet athletes and have classes with them and then go cheer them on in their particular sport. Being an RA in RHT I have been able to form programs around going to different sporting events, which has been great because when the athletes get to know others in the hall, they are able to build a fan base and have their corridor go support them in their games."

The relationship and partnership between Miami Athletics and Residence Life is one of mutual benefit. Athletics provides Residence Life with opportunities to host programs, and corridor bonding events while Athletics sees the support of the student body at events. Most recently, Miami Women's Basketball saw the support of RedHawk Traditions on Jan. 27 with a "North Quad Challenge." As a fun challenge between Brandon Hall and McFarland Hall, Miami Women's basketball challenged the halls to see which hall could get the most people to the game. After some creative investigation, it was discovered that freshman Courtney Osborn lives in Brandon Hall, and freshmen Kirsten Olowinski and Kristin Judson live in McFarland and thus created a "Team Osborn" and "Team Olowinski/Judson" challenge.

All RedHawk Traditions students who attended the game received a free t-shirt and food prior to the game, and participated in promotions throughout the game. Decked out in "Team Osborn" gear, Brandon Hall won the challenge with the most students attending the game. The friendly competition between halls created a great atmosphere at the game, where Miami scored its highest amount of points since 2004, with 96 points.

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