April 8, 2008 Contact: Abe Villarreal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phone: (575) 538-6336 news@wnmu.edu
41st ANNUAL GREAT RACE RETURNS TO WNMU
SILVER CITY, N.M. – The “Seven Deadly Sins” was chosen as the theme of this year’s Great Race, an annual event held for over four decades on the Western New Mexico University campus. While the theme seems devilish, the weeklong activities consists of wholesome events including competitive mini-races, a football scrimmage, and even a talent show, all culminating with the historic Great Race itself on the final day.
The Great Race, a campus tradition, will take place Sunday, April 20 at noon. Weeklong activities are scheduled to precede the event, the first which begins on Monday, April 14 at 11:00am. This year’s line up includes familiar events such as “King of the Mountain,” (a race up 10 th St) “Who’s Got Speed?” (a race up College Ave) and “Pole Position” (teams compete for the best positioning place on the course) along with some new events including a Kickball competition at Old James Stadium on Saturday, April 19.
The Winner of the Great Race is determined by point accumulation of the weeklong events and the race itself.
Alumni are prepared to travel across the country, some of which are arriving from California, Indiana, and Wyoming to make the event. The WNMU Alumni Office makes special preparations for its attendees. Alumni have their own entry in the race itself, perform in the talent show, and this year will participate in the football scrimmage. Alumni can still register for activities by calling Linda McArthur at 538-6342.
Outside groups such as the local high schools as well as the WNMU extended branches also participate annually.
It is the students; however, who organize and participate in the majority of the events. Over a dozen are scheduled from Monday, April 14 until Sunday, April 20 when the Great Race will commence at noon. “This has been the best year in terms of student participation and organization,” said Maria Dominguez, Director of Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Great Race as well as any other activities. A full list of events and times can be found at wnmu.edu.
Located in Silver City, New Mexico, Western New Mexico University has served the people of the state of New Mexico and its surrounding areas as a comprehensive, regional, rural, public coeducational university since 1893 and caters to a student body diverse in age, culture, language and ethnic background.
###