Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle to Support Student-Athletes

The Edison State Community College Athletics Department and The Edison Foundation are partnering to host the 15th annual Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle on Saturday, March 22, at 5 p.m. at the Piqua Campus.

Just as internship and co-op experiences enhance academic programs at Edison State, intercollegiate athletics allow students to test and form lifelong values and habits that build character and shape identity.

Edison State's student-athletes are well prepared for both academic and competitive challenges. As athletic success grows, so do opportunities to compete at elite conference, regional, and national levels.

"This event is one of my favorite events to be a part of. While every dollar raised is a step closer to our athletic department goal, this event is not just to raise money but to create a brand and community," said Edison State Athletics Director Justin McCulla. "We get to bring together family members, community members, student-athletes, and administrators. We can showcase what successes we had the previous year. The last three seasons have been consistent with two or three teams making it to postseason play."

Intercollegiate athletics have become a valuable part of the Edison State community. Each year, over 100 student-athletes participate in baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball. The College is also adding men's and women's bowling to its sports offerings, with plans to begin in the fall of 2025.

Most recently, 46 student-athletes at Edison State received Academic All-Conference honors from the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) for earning over a 3.30 GPA in the fall semester.

With baseball and softball seasons beginning in the spring, the fall and winter teams have set the tone by making postseason appearances and upholding winning records. The women's basketball team is currently 19-7 overall, while the men's basketball team is currently 10-15 overall. The volleyball team completed their season 20-14 overall and participated in postseason play at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Great Lakes District A tournament this past November.

Investment in Edison State's student-athletes through the Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle allows them to compete at the highest level in the NJCAA while supporting every player, coach, and sport.

A reverse raffle will highlight the evening's events, with one lucky winner walking away with a $3,000 prize. Other cash drawings will occur throughout the night, and ticket holders are not required to be present to win. Other additional in-person fundraising activities will be available. An online silent auction will be open from March 14 at 9 a.m. to March 22 at 7:30 p.m. Anyone can participate in the silent auction.

Each $100 ticket allows admission for two and includes a buffet-style meal, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, NCAA men's basketball games on the big screen, and one reverse raffle ticket for the chance to win the grand prize of $3,000. A cash bar will be available for alcoholic drinks.

Initially established to support postseason tournament play, the fundraiser has also helped to support the purchase of new team uniforms and enhance facilities such as the gymnasium and the baseball and softball fields.

"This night is for our fans to come in and enjoy an evening of fun with our student-athletes as we hope to continue gaining their support," McCulla said. "Their support helps give our student-athletes the best experience possible by providing resources and opportunities that will allow our student-athletes to reach their fullest potential."

Edison State's intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the OCCAC and are Division II members of the NJCAA.

Visit www.edisonohio.edu/charger to purchase tickets for the Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle event, participate in the online silent auction, or view student-athlete testimonial videos.