As the spring sports season quickly approaches, students are anticipating the next big sporting event at Athens, the first annual Camo Out. However, the action on the field will not be the center of attention. This unique game, played by both the women’s varsity and JV soccer teams March 13, aims to benefit troops by raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to give back and support our troops for all they’ve done over the years,” said Allie Chason, senior on the Lady Jaguars varsity team.
Athens is familiar with playing in games where the team is able to give back to the community. For the past three years, the men’s soccer team has participated in the Pink Out game for breast cancer awareness. Similarly to the men’s team wearing pink jerseys for their game in the fall, the Lady Jaguars will be wearing new green camo jerseys.
“It should be equivalent to the Pink Out, it’s just for a different cause. I think the Camo Out will eventually be just as big,” said Chason.
The game will be played against Wake Forest High School, which has also been the opposing team for every Pink Out game. According to Travis Seese, women’s varsity soccer coach, the Wake Forest coach is supportive of these types of games.
The Wounded Warriors Project is a nonprofit organization which helps to honor those in war conflicts and to support the families of the soldiers. During the game, donations will be accepted for this cause. Seese admires the foundation and hopes they can find a variety of ways to raise money.
“For year one of the game, we just plan to do donations,” said Seese. “With the Pink Out, the boys sold barbecue plates, and we held an auction. We would like to do more of this in future years [with the] Camo Out.”
With the band and dance team performing at the event, the Camo Out is unlike any other soccer game the Lady Jaguars will participate in. Seese explained the impact of the game on his players.
“It’s a good way to enhance the experience of playing for the team, and that it’s not just about showing up to practice. The players will be able to look back at this game with memories,” said Seese.
The fans that attend the game will also be encouraged to wear camo as well, rather than the school colors of orange and blue.
Chason said, “I think the game is a great way to leave a legacy of our team’s motto. We want to be able to improve while leaving the other team better than it was before we played them. It will be cool to look back and say we played in the very first Camo out.”
Whether it has been for breast cancer awareness or helping injured troops overseas, the Athens student body, with these types of games, has made a point of giving back to the community.
