So far, the program has focused on football, but Steve McDonnell, assistant athletic director overseeing Student- Athlete Services, said he hopes to branch out into volleyball, wrestling and women's basketball this year. The program is designed particularly for faculty and staff who are new to campus or work with student-athletes, Banach said. Those who participate in the program during football season start about 4 p.m. on Tuesday of a home game week. They watch a football practice, learn about an average week for student- athletes and their coach, have dinner at the training table, observe a football study session and visit with coach Dan McCarney. Game day starts about 11 a.m., with a tour of the Jacobson Athletic Complex, the training area and press boxes.
Participants also visit with coaches and recruits, and have lunch.
During the game, they may join the team on the sidelines, sit in the stands or go to the press box. Banach said those who have gone through the program usually become advocates of the sports program and are eager to help if a problem arises with an athlete. The program helps us build allies among the faculty and staff. If I need to call them, they know who I am. There's a connection there.