Hello Golden Flash Family! February is Black History Month, and I am excited to share all the upcoming great initiatives planned within Kent State Athletics. As we kick off a monthlong celebration of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, one of our primary missions is to be student-centered, so I am thrilled that our students will be featured throughout the month, sharing their thoughts on what this month means to them and the influential people in their lives.
The Kent State University Athletic Department will honor and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX legislation with a yearlong celebration, highlighting the success and impact of women's athletics at Kent State University.
"Title IX has played a vital role in the growth of women's athletics," said Athletic Director Randale Richmond. "Prioritizing the growth of women's programs here at Kent State is crucial to ensure we continue to build a vibrant, diverse department. Opportunity is just one component, as our women's programs have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and in competition."
Kent State Basketball Kicks Off Black History Month by Hosting Unity Week Games
The Golden Flashes are participating in Unity Week at the women’s basketball game against Central Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 2, and at the men’s basketball game against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 5. The theme of the women’s game will focus primarily on unity, while the men’s game will center around the “ERACISM: This Game is No Secret” campaign. Kent State is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and throughout Unity Week and Black History Month, the Flashes will highlight the importance of an inclusive environment in sports.
For the past two seasons, Kent State Athletics has been celebrating unity on behalf of our student-athlete advisory committee by playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” before the start of each game in the MAC Center. Sports have a unique ability to unite; no matter our differences and divisions, sports bring us together in ways few other cultural phenomena can.
For more than a century, the song has served as an anthem for Black communities. Its lyrics both recognize our nation’s troubled past with race relations and celebrate the hope of a brighter future. Today, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is commonly presented as a complement to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and for years has been a staple in pregame ceremonies at Historical Black College and University (HBCU) sporting events. As teams stand in recognition of both songs, they powerfully reinforce sports’ unifying message.
IN THE NEWS
Golden Flash Great Nic Nemeth Returns to Campus
Former Kent State Golden Flash and 2016 Varsity “K’ Hall of Fame member Nic Nemeth aka Dolph Ziggler, returns to the MAC Center on Friday, Feb. 4, as the Flashes take on Ohio. The wrestler turned WWE superstar graduated as Kent State's career leader in victories and was the third wrestler in program history to be a four-time NCAA qualifier. He was a three-time MAC champion and four-time MAC finalist. As a senior, he helped the Golden Flashes to a MAC regular season title.
Important Hospitality Update for Our Fans and Supporters
Effective immediately, concessions and donor hospitality areas inside the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC) have reopened! All food and drink options will again be available for purchase. As a reminder, concessions are cashless and accept credit and debit cards, Flash Cards and declining balance. Please remember to stay masked up for MACtion!
Remember to follow The Golden Flashes Club on social media to stay up-to-date with any announcements!
Crum to Participate in East-West Shrine Bowl
Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum has accepted an invite to the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl on Feb. 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Crum will be the eighth Golden Flash of all time to play in the Shrine Bowl and the first player to do so since Brian Lainhart got the invite in 2010.
Flashes Take Down Rutgers and Cornell
Friday night, the Kent State gymnastics team hosted its second tri-meet of the season, defeating visiting Rutgers and Cornell, 195.550 to 195.175 and 191.400, respectively. This improves the Golden Flashes' record to an impressive 5-0 for the season.
For inclement weather and the potential for event cancelations this week, please follow The Golden Flashes Club on social media.
*Due to COVID, some competition dates and times may change with little advance notice. Please visit our website or mobile app to confirm details prior to planning your trip to cheer on Kent State.
Get the GOFLASHES App for Updates and Live Broadcasts
The GoFlashes App will keep you updated with stats, highlights, live broadcasts and more for each of your favorite Kent State sports teams. With changing competition schedules due to COVID, this is an easy way to stay up to date. Visit the App or Google Play stores and search “Kent State Athletics” to download the GoFlashes App today, or download through the links below!
SUPPORT ATHLETICS
Save The Date!
Athletics Scholarship Auction Friday, April 22, 2022 MAC Center, Center Court 6 p.m. EDT
Your support is an important piece to making sure our Golden Flashes receive a transformative experience from signing day to game day to graduation day! Your philanthropic support of our student-athletes pushes us to success both in the classroom and in competition.
We’re all together. Let’s go forward. Play As One!
If you have any questions about your annual gift, please contact The Golden Flashes Club office at 330-672-2078 to ask questions or renew your membership.
Kent State University Intercollegiate Athletics The Golden Flashes Club
