Loyalist Lancers reward program sees big boost in attendance
Often erupting into cheers and chants, the audience that turned out to watch the Lancers volleyball teams play Wednesday night was energetic and supportive. Loyalist president Ann Marie Vaughan (top left) sat among students and parents to support the Lancers. Photo by Robert D. Champagne, QNet News
BELLEVILLE – The new loyalty program started for Loyalist College’s athletic teams in January has seen a big boost in students coming to watch the Lancers play.
The program is an initiative by the administration of the college’s residences to get more students watching the games. According to Dominique Jenkins, a former volleyball player and coach for Loyalist and a residence co-ordinator, it is working.
The reward program works like a free coffee program. Each game attended gets you a point on your reward card. If you attend seven games, you are able to get a free T-shirt. If you attend 10 games, you win a T-shirt, a reusable straw and a pen, and your name will be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card for No Frills.
The loyalty card was set up to help get more students at the games,” Jenkins explained. “We were getting two students per game first semester, and now we’re averaging over 30.”
The reward program offers prizes based on how many Lancers games a student attends. The program was introduced in January to boost game attendance. Image Courtesy of Loyalist College Residence
Getting students out to cheer on the players can make a big difference in the team’s energy, Jenkins said.
“You feed off the crowd. And if they’re supporting you, it makes you work that little bit harder.”
One notable fan who came out to enjoy Wednesday night’s men’s and women’s Lancers volleyball games was Loyalist’s president and chief executive officer, Ann Marie Vaughan.
While both teams lost to the Durham Lords, “it was an amazing game,” Vaughan told QNet News. “The Lancers never disappoint me, win or lose. I just think they’re such amazing students and they’re such amazing athletes. They’re a fabulous team and they’re really good to each other, and that’s amazing to see.”
Many of the student players are also resident administrators or members of the student government, she noted. “They’re just leaders generally on campus.”
Students looking to catch up on the reward program can look forward to three games this weekend in partnership with Lancer Fest. Free popcorn and activities for children will be available while you enjoy basketball on Friday and Saturday or volleyball on Sunday.
Throughout the four hours of play Wednesday night, the crowd stayed dedicated and didn’t dwindle between games.
Despite Durham pulling ahead, the crowd stayed sportsmanlike and didn’t heckle or boo the opposing team.
Despite a valiant effort by the women’s team they fell 25 to 12 the Durham Lords after three sets.
The men’s team fought hard, holding Durham to a two-point lead or a deficit consistently. Durham took the game in the fifth set, scoring 15 points against Loyalist’s 13.
Lancer Fest takes place Friday to Sunday, with multiple games and activities taking place on campus to support Lancer sports teams. Image courtesy of the Loyalist Lancers
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