Central Methodist University is set to celebrate 50 Years of Women's Athletics on the Fayette campus Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, 2024. "This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the foundation of Central Athletics and the women who paved the way," said Athletic Director Jeff Sherman.
The two-day event is a tribute to the trailblazing women who were and are part of the university's athletic fiber, marking five decades of dedication, passion, and excellence. The weekend will begin with a Friday afternoon social with both current and former student-athletes, beginning at 4 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Inman Student and Community Center. The social will also allow those in attendance to explore the CMU history of women's athletics. Attendees are encouraged to bring scrapbooks, yearbooks, and other Central memorabilia to share. This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. The athletic department is accepting athletic memorabilia from any era and any sport at Central to be included in the Friday afternoon social. This includes but is not limited to uniforms, clothing, shoes, rosters, banners, plaques, trophies, yearbooks, game balls, photos, and notes. Items can be permanently donated or loaned and returned after the event. Items permanently donated will be displayed and stored in the Central Archives and/or the Central Museum of History.
The festivities will continue Saturday with campus tours, along with baseball and softball games beginning at 1 p.m. The day will conclude with a banquet celebrating these 50 years, starting at 6 p.m. on the fourth floor of the student center. Dinner and drinks will be included, and tickets are $45 per person.
Adding to the event's excitement is former Coach Sue Feldkamp's return to campus. Feldkamp was responsible for establishing the women's athletic programs at Central Methodist in 1973-74. She served as head coach for the women's basketball, volleyball, softball, and track & field programs. Whether on the court, the field, the track, or the mats, women's athletics have been responsible for some of the most successful athletic performances in Eagle history. Central has experienced numerous conference championships, national tournament appearances, individual All-Americans, conference and national players of the year, and conference and national coaches of the year. This is an exciting time for former student-athletes to reunite with Central and their teammates and coaches. Organizers plan to celebrate every decade and generation of Women's Athletics at Central throughout the weekend. To register for the event or to learn more about donating athletic memorabilia, visit www.centralalumnievents.com.