Football | 8/21/2012 3:21:00 PM
August 21, 2012-The Emporia State Athletic Marketing Office has announced the promotional schedule for the 2012 Hornet football season and there will be plenty of activities available on game days this fall.
Fans have an opportunity to meet the Hornet football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, Stinger and cheer teams along with Corky on Saturday, August 25 at Applebee's Autograph Day. Festivities will last from 10 a.m. until noon at the Applebee's parking lot located at 2901 Eaglecrest Drive in Emporia.
Emporia State has five home games scheduled beginning with the season opener on Thursday, August 30 against Ft. Hays State. Tailgating has become a large part of the Hornet Game Day experience and there are plenty of opportunities available this year. The Waters True Value Watering Hole and the E-Zone Black Hole tailgate areas will both open two hours prior to kick-off. Admission to the Watering Hole, located on the Milton Tennis Courts, is $15 per game or a season ticket can be purchased for $70. The Black Hole is free to current Emporia State students and will be located south west of Welch Stadium.
The Ft. Hays State game will be the first of two Thursday night home games for the Hornets this year. The first 500 fans will receive Papa John's schedule magnets. President Michael Shonrock announced during the Fall General Assembly that all Emporia State Faculty and Staff can receive free admission with their valid staff ID card.
MIAA newcomer Central Oklahoma will be the opponent on September 15 as Emporia State celebrates Family Day. The first 300 fans in Welch Stadium will get an Emporia State Koozie from Thurston's+ Autobody. The game will culminate Cummunity Engagement Week at Emporia State with the Com Cam Community Fair taking place for two hours prior to game time around the stadium. At halftime the Hornet Heritage Family will be recognized. Following the game the annual Football Traditions event will take place at the Jenkins Ranch north of Emporia. The 2002 Mineral Water Bowl champions will be the featured team. Tickets for the event cost $50 and will benefit the Hornet football team.
The Lincoln Blue Tigers will be making their first appearance in Welch Stadium in 50 years to wrap up September. The Hornets won that last match up in Emporia 6-0 in 1962. This will be Take A Kid to the Game as youth 12 and under will get a free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Emporia State goes All In for Homecoming on October 13 against MIAA newcomer Lindenwood. The newest class of the Athletic Hall of Honor will be recognized along with Distinguished Alumni and Homecoming Royalty.
The Hornets will end the home portion of the schedule as they began it with a Thursday night game. Missouri Western will be the opponent for the MIAA Television Network game. It will be Fan Appreciation Day at Welch with buy one, get one free tickets available. It will also be the final home game for the Hornet seniors that will be recognized prior to game time.
The Hornets went 5-6 a year ago, their second straight five win season. Tyler Eckenrode returns for his third full year as a starter to lead an offense that ranked 23rd in the nation in total offense last season. Four year starter and second-team All-MIAA performer Lance Uhles anchors the offensive line from his center position. All-American Derek Lohmann returns for his senior season with a chance to break the Emporia State career record for interceptions. Corner Kevin Gaddis had five interceptions last season as the Hornets ranked fifth in the nation in total turnovers last season.
2012 Emporia State Football Promotional Schedule
Thurs. Aug. 30 *Fort Hays State Emporia, Kan. 7:00 p.m.
Game Sponsor: ESU Bulletin
Corky's Community Club: Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Other: First 500 fans get Papa John's Schedule Magnets
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day
ESU Faculty & Staff Free with ID
Sat. Sept. 15 *Central Oklahoma Emporia, Kan. 1:00 p.m.
Game Sponsor: Memorial Union
Other: First 300 fans get Thurston's+ ESU Koozie
Com Cam
Community Fair two hours prior to game
Family Day
Hornet Heritage Family Recognized
ESU Football Traditions
2002 Mineral Water Bowl Champs Recognized
Sat. Sept. 29 *Lincoln Emporia, Kan. 1:00 p.m.
Game Sponsor: Taco Bell
Other: Take A Kid to the Game
Buy one adult ticket, get one free youth
ticket
Sat. Oct. 13 *Lindenwood Emporia, Kan. 2:00 p.m.
Other: Homecoming - We're All In
Athletic Hall of Honor
Homecoming Royalty
Distinguished Alumni
Thurs. Oct. 25 *Missouri Western Emporia, Kan. 6:00 p.m.
Game Sponsor: Camoplast
Other: MIAA Television Game
Senior Night
Fan Appreciation Day
Buy one Get one Free Tickets
