Flames kick off new year with pep rally

OMAHA, Neb. – The excitement around the College of Saint Mary Athletics continues to grow as the University celebrated the Flames in style Tuesday.

CSM held its annual all-athlete meeting followed by an inaugural pep rally to help showcase the enthusiasm for Flames Athletics. All 10 athletic teams were introduced including a welcome to the new sports teams of bowling and dance for the 2017-18 season.

The all-athlete meeting started with an activity to get to know the coaches and athletic department staff and continued with remarks from President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, Vice President for Student Development Dr. Tara Knudson Carl and Director of Athletics Peter Haze Haring. Main points of emphasis included the enthusiasm surrounding this year's teams, the strategic goal of growing Flames Athletics and what the student-athletes can look forward to in the future for CSM Athletics.

"This is the time of the year that we want to bring our student-athletes together to celebrate the beginning of the school year, while also including them with new information pertaining to the strategic goals to grow our athletic department," Haring said. "It's important for our student-athletes to be involved in this process of growth to ensure their feedback is included and valued."

Following the meeting, the Lied Fitness Center was opened up to the CSM community for a pep rally which included music, dancing, games and fun activities.

"The gym was electric," CSM Sports Information Director Carolyn Todd Bray said. "It was awesome to see the spirit our community has for our athletic teams."