Signing Day events take center stage

National Signing Day took place on Wednesday, February 3^rd, marking the first day high school seniors could sign a National Letter of Intent to participate in collegiate athletics. In recent years, this event has become somewhat of a national holiday for college football fans. As a result of the excitement surrounding Signing Day, athletic departments nationwide hosted Signing Day parties to harness the buzz generated by fans.

The University of Central Florida’s Signing Day Party, a popular annual event, was open to the public for the first time this year at UCF Arena. An appearance by head football coach George O’Leary highlighted the evening, as he officially announced the 2010 recruiting class. Performances by cheerleaders, a silent auction, and free food and beverage all contributed to the spirited environment.

The Golden Knights Club, the official fundraising arm of UCF Athletics, also leveraged the excitement in a distinctive way. A pre-event social was held for Bronze-level donors ($1,000) or higher prior to the beginning of the public festivities.

Development personnel need to recognize the unique opportunity Signing Day presents the department. The promise of future players taking the program to new heights has the ability to excite an entire sports community. On this day there are no losses, only optimism.

With a number of non-development related groups (i.e. LSU Tiger Gridiron Club) currently hosting their own celebrations on Signing Day, more schools need to follow the example set by programs such as UCF and focus this special excitement toward one athletic department sanctioned event.

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Matt Kirinovic