Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Kicks Off National Girls & Women in Sports Day Celebration
2/4/2009 7:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 4, 2009
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell University Department of Athletics and Recreation kicked off its National Girls & Women in Sports Day celebration on Wednesday with a luncheon dedicated to recognizing the university's female student-athletes and encouraging the Lewisburg community to begin, restart or continue an active and healthy lifestyle. The event is one of many Bucknell has planned to recognize the nationally celebrated day.
Highlighting the luncheon were addresses from three members of the Bucknell athletic community. Student-athletes Page Kannor and Megan Mongan joined Lisa Verge, a former student-athlete at Bloomsburg and current Bucknell staff member and softball volunteer assistant coach, in sharing how their decisions to lead active lives have influenced them.
Each woman spoke of developing commitment and confidence through sport that has carried into their everyday lives, helping them to succeed academically and other areas of their lives. Mongan, a junior swimmer, credited the discipline needed for tireless training with improving her organizational skills and as a result, her success in the classroom. Kannor, a senior who joined the Bucknell rowing team as a walk-on four years ago, experienced a boost in confidence and belief in herself as well as others.
The relationships built through both team and individual sports was also an important aspect of the athletes' athletic experiences, and one that they hope the Lewisburg and Bucknell communities will also benefit from through healthy activity. Verge began her athletic career playing sports such as softball and basketball, relishing the friendships created through the group sports. Even as her athletic endeavors have shifted to individual activities, such as golf and competing in triathlons, Verge relies on "workout buddies" and teaching early-morning spinning classes to fulfill her love of interpersonal interaction that accompanies sports.
Coming from an athletic family of five children, Mongan echoed Verge's enthusiasm for the relationships formed in sport, especially when it comes to family. One of the swimmer's younger sisters, Allie, begins her freshman season with the Bison lacrosse team on Feb. 18. Her brother also rowed on the national championship-winning Princeton squad, while older sister Terry competed in field hockey and swam at Lehigh. To the Mongan family, sports were seen as part of raising happy, active children into healthy adults, according to Megan.
Bucknell and its student-athletes aim to motivate others to integrate sports and fitness into each day no matter how difficult. Despite demanding practices and long seasons, these Bison would not trade their athletic opportunities for anything. "We wouldn't do it if we didn't love it," said Mongan.
Those attending the luncheon received pedometers to help them track their fitness level and were able to peruse the book, Do Princesses Scrape Their Knees?, which will be donated to local elementary schools and the Lewisburg Public Library following readings by Bison student-athletes.
The National Girls & Women in Sports Day activities continue on Wednesday, Feb. 18 with a celebration surrounding the Bucknell women's basketball team's contest with Lafayette at Sojka Pavilion. The Bison will host face painting and snacks starting at 6 p.m., followed by tip off at 7 p.m. An autograph session will follow the conclusion of the game.
