Greyhounds Host National Field Hockey Day Event on Saturday

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Moravian College Greyhounds will take part in USA Field Hockey's second annual National Field Hockey Day on Saturday, September 14 as part of a full day of festivities beginning with a match against William Paterson University at 1 p.m. on Rocco Calvo Field.

For an entire day, the contagious love of field hockey is leaping over county lines and hurdling from state to state in celebration of the sport. The event's objective is to connect coaches, clubs, athletes, umpires and those who simply enjoy the sport for a day dedicated to proudly displaying the passion for the game. Moravian, in conjunction with USA Field Hockey, encourages members and fans to participate all week long with their friends and families for a chance to win some great prizes.

"National Field Hockey Day is USA Field Hockey's chance to encourage our members to share the game with friends and promote our sport on a national level," said Steve Locke, Executive Director of USA Field Hockey. "We are excited to enter our second year of this initiative and look forward to even more participation from our amazing field hockey community."

Last year, universities hosted free clinics, clubs held special training for brothers and dads, former players organized pick-ups in the park, even a field hockey themed cake was made. USA Field Hockey invites all participators to share their experience via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram by using @USAFieldHockey and #NFHDay. They will post submissions on their national website.

Prizes will be awarded to programs displaying the best team spirit, putting on the most creative celebration and showing the most ambitious ways to grow the game across the country.

USA Field Hockey includes a number of suggestions to celebrate the day, including inviting neighbors, family, and friends to watch a match, hosting a youth clinic with your team, umpiring or coaching a game, hosting an equipment drive for a community or team in need, submitting "old school" photos for Throwback Thursday on social media, and getting creative with signs, t-shirts and headbands.

A team photo of the 1989 Moravian field hockey team was the Greyhounds' contribution to #ThrowbackThursday.

The Greyhounds' annual Family Day coincides with National Field Hockey Day in 2013. Moravian expects a raucous crowd on Saturday at Rocco Calvo, and has invited the Wilson High School field hockey team to attend. Wilson is head coached by Tom Ruhf, a 2007 graduate of Moravian. Another alumnus, Alicia Fowler-Herzog '04, is Ruhf's assistant coach.

Head Coach Amy Endler and her squad will welcome everyone in attendance to a tailgate party following the match against William Paterson at the Blue and Grey Pavilion. Food and refreshments will be served.