Sept. 16, 2009

Bicentennial Women's Reunion Invitation

OXFORD, Ohio – As part of Miami’s bicentennial celebration, all former female athletes are encouraged to return to Oxford October 16-18 to participate in the Women’s Bicentennial Reunion. Multiple events are planned to celebrate the rich history of the Miami women’s athletic program.

“In the midst of celebrating our university’s bicentennial, this seemed like the perfect time to recognize the women who shaped Miami Athletics,” said Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator Jennie Gilbert. “This is a wonderful opportunity to thank all of the administrators, coaches and athletes that competed for the love and honor of their sport! This weekend is a chance to appreciate our past, celebrate our present and plan together for the future of Miami Athletics.”

The highlight of the weekend will be the Recognition Brunch held on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Shriver Center. The event will feature Miami Hall of Fame coach and administrator Elaine Heiber as its keynote speaker. In her position as associate athletic director, Heiber helped establish the first seven women’s varsity sports to compete at the AIAW Division I level, while instituting and expanding grant-in-aids for female student-athletes. She also hired the first full-time women’s coach at Miami and the entire state of Ohio.

In a special ceremony during the brunch, all female athletes who competed prior to 1974 will receive an honorary letter. Female letterwinners from 1974-90 will receive their letters. In order to register for this honor please RSVP your attendance at the brunch by Sept. 21 by contacting the Miami Ticket Office at 513-529-HAWK, 1-866-MUHAWKS or by email at redhawktix@muohio.edu. The cost to attend the brunch is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 or under. Any questions about the letter award program can be directed to Gilbert at 513-529-7285 or gilberj2@muohio.edu.

“It is difficult to put into words the magnitude of this bicentennial women’s event,” said head volleyball coach Carolyn Condit. “In itself it is an historical moment -- to bring so many former athletes together to celebrate the many successes they experienced throughout the years in a Miami uniform. It will be a weekend full of memories and great times, and I know young and old will cherish their time together.”

Other gatherings over the weekend include the Welcome Reception on Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. at the Gross Center. At this event, former female athletes will have the chance to meet and chat with Miami Athletic Director Brad Bates.

“We are honored to have the opportunity during our bicentennial year to celebrate the numerous accomplishments of our women varsity student-athletes through the years and to recognize their tremendous leadership in establishing a foundation that saw our women's teams win an unprecedented seven conference championships this past season while continuing to achieve one of the highest graduation rates in the nation,” said Bates.

On Saturday prior to the brunch at 10 a.m. at Shideler Hall Auditorium, the RedHawks will host a “Panel of Legends” discussion. Organized by head women’s basketball coach Maria Fantanarosa and director of women’s basketball operations Cristal Randolph, this discussion group will feature several female athletes and coaches from different eras both pre- and post-Title IX- to share their experiences with Miami athletics. The moderator for this panel is Miami Hall of Fame basketball player Mary Ann Myers. She will be joined by former field hockey head coach Lil Fesperman, former volleyball head coach Peg Bradley-Doppes, Miami Hall of Fame volleyball player Wendy Tepe Tobergte, former softball player Breanna Robinson and Carol Clark Johnson, a 1950 Miami graduate and Cradle of Coaches inductee who has been a world-renowned golf instructor.

“We’re looking forward to the Panel of Legends,” said Fantanarosa. “Hearing stories from recent and former Miami women will be both educational and inspiring. This elite group of women will show the progress we have made from pre-Title IX to present.”

The women’s volleyball team will be honoring its 1997 and 1998 MAC Championship teams with a brunch on Sun. Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Heritage Room of the Shriver Center. Those two teams were among the most dominant in Miami volleyball history, with a combined record of 50-16 and a MAC record of 29-5. The 1998 team defeated Nevada 3-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which was the first time the RedHawks advanced to the second round. The event is open to the public. For reservations, please contact Pat Wells at 513-529-3113 or wellspl@muohio.edu.

Of course a women’s athletics reunion would not be complete without athletic events, and Miami has plenty scheduled for the weekend. On Friday, Oct. 16, the field hockey team hosts California at 2 p.m., while the volleyball team takes on Central Michigan at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m., the women’s basketball team will host an open practice in the sub-gym of Millett Hall, while the softball team will have its alumnae game at the Miami Softball Field. At 3:30 p.m. there will be an open family skate at the Goggin Ice Center and at 5 p.m. the volleyball team hosts Eastern Michigan at Millett Hall. Finally on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m., the field hockey team will take on Michigan at the Field Hockey Complex.

For more information on all of Miami athletics bicentennial events please visit http://www.muredhawks.com/bicentennial/bicentennial.html.