By Zion Williams, Staff Writer
The Orange and Blue Club has played an important role in the expansion and prosperity of the Gettysburg Bullets by supporting student-athletes and providing the resources needed for success in their athletic and academic endeavors.
“Our mission is to help provide the best student-athlete experience possible,” said Director of the Orange and Blue Club Nick Poehler. “We help budget advance new programs, help with the fundraising efforts of athletic teams, and coordinate with coaches to help budget for far, non-conference games they may want to play.”
Every contribution to the Orange and Blue Club has a direct impact on the life of a student-athlete or a team.
For example, non-conference games are an important part of the experience of student-athletes. They can boost a team’s strength of schedule, giving athletes the best chance possible to qualify for national tournaments. They also provide spaces for teams to bond during long bus rides, hotel stays and team meals, which builds important chemistry ahead of or during the season.
“I love my job because every day is different, fun, and I get to work with great people daily,” said Poehler, who has been in his role for two and a half years. “[Currently], we are working on the details of the Golf Classic and we will continue working on the details of the next Hall of Athletic Honor selection and ceremony.”
(Photo Courtesy of the Orange & Blue Club)
The Gettysburg College Orange and Blue Golf Classic is the club’s longest running fundraiser and is approaching its 32nd edition. According to Poehler, each year, after selling out, around 250 golfers participate in a day full of fun competition to support the athletic programs.
The Hall of Athletic Honor is Gettysburg Athletics’ ceremony recognizing the achievements of athletes over the past 100 plus years. The Orange and Blue Club participates in the planning and advisory council for the selection of athletes but does not have a vote in the matter so that they remain impartial as a fundraising entity.
“In addition to other alumni events, we facilitate the Bullets Team Challenge, which was originally part of Gettysburg Gives but is now our own version of it,” said Poehler. “This was the fifth year of the Bullets Team Challenge, and we raised over $500,000 in 36 hours across all our teams, athletic departments, and offices. It is now the club’s largest fundraising initiative.”
The Bullets Team Challenge provides student-athletes the chance to be directly involved with their team’s fundraising. Before the allotted 36 hours, teams strategize the best ways to reach out to alumni, families and any other connections. Most teams create social media campaigns to raise these funds and some go so far as to create fun TikTok videos to garner support.
The funds raised during this challenge go into buying new uniforms, equipment and securing more bus companies for team travel. These additional resources go a long way in making sure that student-athletes feel valued and ensures that they have the best environment to compete in.
“We are always trying to give our teams the best, and our future goals are always towards this end,” said Poehler. “We want to help teams bring in championships and we are always looking for our next capital project.”
The Orange and Blue Club recently secured full funding for the Musselman Stadium lights project. Soon, Gettysburg football, field hockey, men’s lacrosse and track and field will have the option to play at night.
“Building relationships is important and it starts with reaching out, attending games, and hosting alumni events,” said Poehler. “We swing by tailgates just to have conversations because it’s very enriching talking to people [and] everyone wants what’s best for the team.”
Gettysburg College’s Orange and Blue Club continues to be an essential resource to Gettysburg Athletics and its student-athletes. The club’s support is made possible by the continued resounding support from the greater Gettysburg community.
This article originally appeared on page 17 of the February 2024 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
