DAY 2 (Aug. 2): New Lights Installed At Soccer Field
In 2012 the Azusa Pacific men’s and women’s soccer programs not only enter their first year as members of the Pacific West Conference, they’ll do so in style, underneath a brand-new set of lights that bring nighttime doubleheaders to Azusa Pacific for the first time since the Cougar Soccer Complex opened 10 years ago. The Cougars, who enter Candidacy Year two of the NCAA Div. II membership process, will host four evening doubleheaders in their opening season under the lights, most notably when they host Biola in the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 1, during the school’s New Student Orientation Weekend.
“This has been a long-running dream; for over a decade we’ve been hoping to have lights here. The fact that we have the lights is a wonderful asset for the student-athletes in terms of scheduling for classes, but it will also increase the support of the program. It will help us with our outreach to the community, and parents can be more supportive because it won’t interrupt work,” said Director of Athletics Gary Pine.
“Soccer has always been big at Azusa Pacific. It’s one our most well-attended sports and I think this will enhance it and create a great atmosphere. We’re very appreciative of those who gave of their resources so this could become a reality for us. There is a lot of excitement about nighttime soccer at Azusa Pacific.”
In addition to the home-opening double-dip with Biola, Azusa Pacific will host new conference foes Hawai‘i Pacific (Oct. 4), Chaminade (Oct. 11), and Point Loma (Oct. 23) for nighttime double headers, something men’s head coach Dave Blomquist is excited about.
“It’s going to create an amazing soccer atmosphere. In a lot of ways it will take the program to the next level in terms of what we can do surrounding the game,” he said. “In any sporting event there is a certain energy and excitement that comes from playing at night, and we’re excited to add that element to the Cougar soccer experience.”
On opening night the women will play Biola at 5 p.m., with the men’s nightcap at 7:30 p.m. The matches will be held just a short walk from the Cougar Family Festival, which will be held on Azusa Pacific’s West Campus.
“One of the most exciting things is to have the home opener under the lights against Biola. It’s going to be an unbelievable game. Whenever we play there’s a big crowd and the lights will just add to that,” said Blomquist.
The full 2012 Azusa Pacific soccer schedule is available on the Cougar Athletics website at the following links:
2012 Azusa Pacific Men’s Soccer Schedule
2012 Azusa Pacific Women’s Soccer Schedule
http://www.apu.edu/athletics/
