The east campus of Albany State University was full of excitement as many of the sports teams, cheerleaders and the ASU Marching Ram Show Band were on a display of unity and support for the student-athletes on Saturday.
 
Director of Athletics Tony Duckworth was right in the center of the action. "The Fan Fest was a tremendous success.  In addition to Golden Rams Nation enjoying the event, it was meaningful to our fall sport student-athletes, cheerleaders and Marching Ram Show Band," Duckworth said.
 
Starting at the Albany State University Coliseum, the RAMily gathered to get souvenir posters and join the celebration going around to tables where the athletes were stationed to get autographs.  Souvenir posters had all of the fall sports represented.
 
Nothing says it's Fall like the sound of the band.  They put on an impromptu performance at the coliseum, watering the appetites of fans who can't wait for Sept. 11 to see them do their first full performance of the school year.
 
Head football coach Gabe Giardina and his staff were available and welcoming to all fans.  Members of the Rams football team took the opportunity to greet fans, sign posters and take photos.
 
Soccer and cross country teams and coaches also had the rare opportunity to meet fans.  Often, these sports don't get the opportunity to meet their fans in this manner, but Darlene Moore, Assistant Athletics Director for Academics and Compliance/Senior Woman Administrator who organized the event knows the importance of making all student-athletes feel involved.
 
"We are excited to have the great response to our first-ever Fall Fan Fest.  Seeing all of that blue and gold brings energy to both our fans and our student-athletes.  We know that the love of ASU runs deep and we have supporters that we can never thank enough.  This was a way of reaching out into the community and bringing loyal Rams to campus to engage with us," Moore said.
 
Golden Rams team will begin their season this week.  Thursday, the women's soccer team will travel to Americus, GA to take on the Georgia Southwestern State at 5:00PM.  The Golden Rams football team travels to Clinton, MS on Thursday to take on the Chocktaws of Mississippi College in a 6:00PM (CST) kickoff.  Friday, the first home event of the season belongs to the Golden Rams volleyball team.  They host the Wildcats of Fort Valley State at the Jones Brother HPER at 6:00PM.  The ASU cross country team begins their season Friday evening in Valdosta in the VSU Border Clash at 6:20PM.   
 
Come out and support the Golden Rams.  For more information, you can always visit the official athletics Website at www.ASUGoldenRams.com.