San Rafael, Calif. — In a continued effort to improve the gameday environment at sporting events, the Dominican University of California Department of Athletics will be unveiling a name for the new student section at its home games in 2010-2011.

Dominican's athletics administration is on a quest to make the Conlan Center gymnasium and Forrest Meadows field and tennis courts more exciting and more appealing for students.

Naming of the student sections at both venues is an important way to get the places rocking with loud, and energetic fans. And you can be part of the naming.

Suggestions are being collected at the Conlan Center's front window and will be reviewed by the athletics staff.

In past years when Dominican was competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and winning California Pacific Conference championships, Conlan's student section was known as the “Black Hole”. That name has faded and now a new name must be set in place.

Patrick Huser, manager of athletics administration, feels that a student section is an important part of making all Dominican home games an exciting event where students can come together and support their fellow Penguins.

“There is no question that a jam-packed and intimidating student section at intercollegiate events can and does have a huge effect on the degree of power and influence of a school's home-court or home-field advantage.”

Huser also believes that opposing teams will feel the pressure put on by rowdy students.
“Visiting college teams can be hugely affected and intimidated by a coordinated, loud, and supportive Student Section. Just as importantly, we want the Dominican student body to have an outlet to unwind and blow off steam. It is a great feeling to support your fellow classmates on the proverbial battlefield. And it means the world to our Dominican student-athletes to receive that support.”

You can make your suggestion by dropping off a suggestion in the suggestion box in Conlan Center foyer or by e-mail or through Twitter now until Monday, September 14. The athletics staff will vote for their 5 favorite suggestions and put them in a poll question on the athletics website, www.dominicanathletics.com. The poll will run from September 15 to October 1. The new name will be in place a ready to go for midnight mayhem on October, 14.

Selection Timeline

Suggestions via comment box at the Conlan Center, e-mail, or on Twitter by sending a message to @dominicansports.
September 1 - 14

Visit www.dominicanathletics.com and vote for your favorite of the top 5
September 15 - October 1

The new name of the student section is revealed at Midnight Mayhem
October 14