Economy takes toll on soccer team

With the economy putting stresses on a lot of people, the Washburn women's soccer team is finding creative ways to raise money.

Asking people for money in tough economic times is a tough thing to do. It's an even harder task to get people to give out money. But the soccer team has found creative ways to collect money through competitive and social atmosphere's.

With the intramural dodge ball season coming up, a dodge ball tournament seemed like perfect timing. It was held in Lee Arena on the campus of Washburn and was played on the basketball court. Each team signed up six players and were charged a $30 entry fee. It was a double elimination format with the winner taking home $130 in cash.

"Teams really got into it. Some teams had matching uniforms and it was really, really competitive," said sophomore Ali Ward.

The dodge ball tournament was a small success. The women raised $500, which as coach Tim Collins says is money that wasn't there before.

Four days later the women were at it again, hosting a Wii tournament at Henry T's Bar and Grill. Three Wii Nintendo systems were set up throughout and each had a different game. The games available to play were tennis, bowling and Guitar Hero. $10 was charged to play each game and the winner of each game was awarded $100 cash. Perhaps the highlight of the night was the raffle to give away a brand new Wii.

"We made about $600. We are going to use it to help with travel costs in the spring. Last year with the gas prices so high, it really took a toll on a lot of coaches budgets. We are finding ways to replace that money," said Collins.

Holding these fundraisers have not only helped the women raise money for their season but it has also won over some new fans. As for the value of fan support in a sport like soccer, it's priceless.