Radford Athletics and E. C. Pace Company hosted the second annual Highlander Pride Weekend on April 26-28, with a series of special events supporting the student-athlete scholarship fund. The weekend raised a net of over $77,000 to benefit student-athletes and brought together the Radford athletic department with university faculty and staff, alumni and New River Valley community.
“For it being only the second year for Highlander Pride Weekend, I am so proud of the success we had and the growing excitement around these signature events. Each day provides a different opportunity for donors, alumni and friends of Radford Athletics to enjoy themselves and come together in support of our student-athlete scholarship fund. I look forward to seeing how these events will grow and develop in future years.” ~ Robert Lineburg, Director of Athletics
The weekend kicked off on Thursday, April 26 with the Red & White Gala presented by English Meadows Senior Living Community. The sold-out event was held at The Farmhouse and was comprised of a silent auction, dinner program and live auction. The dinner program included words from University President, Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, Athletic Director, Robert Lineburg, and two of Radford’s decorated student-athletes: Fraser Colmer (men’s soccer) and Jayda Worthy (women’s basketball).
The Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group Highlander Open was held on Friday, April 27 and hosted 25 teams at the Pete Dye River Course in Radford, Va. Teams included sponsors, former student-athletes and donors as well as athletics staff and coaches. Once play concluded, a post-play reception sponsored by the Fraim Family Foundation was held with awards and raffle prizes.
The energy and excitement continued through the final day of the weekend on Saturday, April 28 with the Highlander Half Marathon & 5K races. Over 260 runners participated in the races and support was provided by student-athletes, as well as campus and community volunteers. It was the second year for the Highlander Half Marathon and the new course began at the Dedmon Center, weaving runners through downtown Radford into the surrounding neighborhoods and parks.
The inaugural 5K race also began at the Dedmon Center where runners, strollers and dogs ventured on the path along the New River passing Veterans Field, the Radford Community Garden and Dudley’s Landing.
The two races met in Bisset Park where they crossed the finish line to immediately enter the Rollin’ on the River Food Truck Rodeo. The Food Truck Rodeo, a joint effort launched by the Radford Visitor’s Center, Radford Chamber of Commerce and Radford Athletics; boasted over 25 food trucks, vendors, community organizations and family-friendly activities.
“I am so incredibly proud of Radford Athletics for hosting a wonderful Highlander Pride Weekend and engaging the Radford family, friends and supporters for a memorable experience that will tremendously benefit countless student-athletes now and well into the future,” said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
–RU Athletics
