ETSU athletes donned their costumes and drained their candy bowls for the Bucky and Friends Spooktacular Trick-Or-Treat last Thursday.
ETSU Athletics began the event at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Mini-Dome, connecting the campus and community through candy. ETSU athletic programs ran their own tables and events for the evening, handing out candy and prizes to local kids.
The track and field team dressed to a “Wizard of Oz” theme and let kids throw a “shotpumpkin” down the yellow brick field.
“It’s just a good time,” said Student Athlete Advisory Committee President Atlantis Warren. “Not only is it good to give back to the community, but also it brings a connection with your teammates. You choose what type of theme you want, and you come together and have a good time along with portraying that energy off to the kids.”
This is the second year that the event has taken place, and Athletics hopes to continue it. The event began to help the community meet the athletes they cheer on and to give a needed break from their classes.
“I think it’s always good when the kids of the community are able to interact with the student athletes, you know,” said Nikki Stewart, assistant athletics director for Academic Services. “They are just organically kind of role models for them.”
Parents enjoyed the event as well, judging by the elaborate costume pairings and crowd. Decorated backdrops were provided for photos of students with their favorite ghouls and goblins.
“It’s definitely a safe place to come, and again [we] don’t have to worry about too much door-to-door and danger,” said local parent Tyler McCann. “Not to say we won’t do that, but again this is just a good family activity that we can come and spend time together and also be a part of the community.”
