Nov. 2, 2010

MILWAUKEE - This week the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee starts a new tradition - Panther Spirit Week.

The Panther Spirit Patrol will be on campus handing out coupons for free t-shirts from the UWM Bookstore to students spotted in their Milwaukee apparel.

Panther Spirit Week kicks off the UWM basketball season. Panther mascot Pounce, basketball coaches Rob Jeter and Sandy Botham and basketball team members will patrol campus randomly throughout the week giving out the coupons for free t-shirts to students, faculty and staff showing their Panther pride by wearing UWM apparel.

"It's been great to see how excited everyone on campus is about the start of the basketball season," Jeter said. "The idea of Spirit Week and some of the other great initiatives that are underway will only help to get our students and others on campus even more excited."

"The support of our students and the campus community is vital to our success," Botham said. "Having a Spirit Week to bring awareness and excitement to the start of the season is a great idea."

The week started with the men's basketball team beating MSOE in an exhibition game Monday night at the Klotsche Center. Thursday, a pep rally is scheduled for noon in the Union Concourse while the men's soccer team plays Northern Illinois at 7 p.m. at Engelmann Field. Saturday begins with a 1 p.m. men's soccer game against Michigan State at Engelmann Field, followed by exhibition games for the women's basketball team (vs. LaCrosse) at 5 p.m. and the men's basketball team (vs. Carroll) at 7 p.m. in the Klotsche Center.

"I hope everyone will show their Panther pride throughout the week by wearing the black and gold and turning out for the games," Interim Chancellor Michael Lovell said.

Students are excited to see UWM engaging in school spirit.

"If you are not a big sports fan, you should still have pride in our world-known research institution," Travis Wacker, senior and member of the Student Black and Gold Club, said.

Students have the opportunity to win a Panther Prize Pack from the UWM Bookstore. To be eligible for the contest, students need to upload a photo of him or herself wearing UWM apparel and showing off Panther spirit. Tweet @UWM or post to UW-Milwaukee Facebook like page. Remember to hashtag the photo #IamUWM. All submissions will be entered in a contest. The Panther Pride winner will be announced the following week. Stay updated by Twitter's @UWM and Facebook.com/UWMilwaukee.

Story provided by University Communications