UMBC Retrievers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

UMBC Retrievers
University	University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Conference	America East
NCAA	Division I
Athletics director	Charles Brown
Location	Catonsville, MD
Varsity teams	17
Football stadium	UMBC Stadium
Basketball arena	Retriever Activities Center
Mascot	True Grit
Nickname	Retrievers
Fight song	UMBC Riser
Colors	Black and Gold
Homepage	UMBC Retrievers

The UMBC Retrievers represent the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in NCAA Division I athletics. The official colors of the Retrievers are black and gold (PMS 123) with red (PMS 032). The Retrievers field 17 varsity sports; eight men and nine women. UMBC competes in the America East athletic conference.

[edit] Mascot

The retriever mascot is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the state dog of Maryland. There is a statue of a retriever known as True Grit that stands in front of the Retriever Activities Center (RAC). UMBC's costumed mascot has been known both as True Grit and Fever. UMBC also once had a live mascot named Campus Sam. In 2007, True revealed he had a sister, Trudy Grit, at the volleyball pep rally. She is now used as a mascot, as well.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of UMBC in 2006, the University held the "March of the Retrievers," a procession of 40 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers from the True Grit statue to the University Commons and then on to the UMBC Soccer Stadium, site of the Homecoming soccer match.

[edit] Teams

The Retriever Activities Center prior to the 2008 America East Conference Championship Game

Retriever men's lacrosse competing against the University of Delaware in the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament.

The UMBC Dance Team, cheerleading squad, mascot and "Down and Dirty Dawg" Pep Band are also supported through UMBC Athletics.

[edit] Facilities

• Baseball Factory Field
• RAC Arena
• Soccer Pitch
• UMBC Natatorium
• UMBC Stadium

[edit] Athletic Alumni

• Wayne Franklin - former Major League Baseball pitcher for the York Revolution in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
• Terry Kimener - Major League Lacrosse midfielder for the Chicago Machine.
• Dan Marohl - National Lacrosse League forward for the Philadelphia Wings.
• Steve Marohl - former National Lacrosse League forward for the Baltimore Thunder and the Pittsburgh Crossefire; Major League Lacrosse forward for the Baltimore Bayhawks.
• Brendan Mundorf - National Lacrosse League forward for the New York Titans; Major League Lacrosse forward for the Denver Outlaws.
• Jeff Ratcliffe - National Lacrosse League forward for the New York Titans.
• Rick Steirer - former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
• Jay Witasick - Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.

[edit] UMBC Riser

The UMBC Riser is the official fight song of the UMBC Retrievers, and was written by Dr. George LaNoue, a professor of policy sciences[1]

Stand up and cheer, UMBC
Forward we go, to another victory.
Retrievers, be bold,
We back you as we stand,
Black and gold, the best in Maryland.
Rise up and sing!
Stand up and roar!
Make echoes ring from the mountains to the shore.
Baltimore's pride, our alma mater grand,
UMBC, the best in any land!

[edit] Alma Mater

UMBC's alma mater debuted in 2006 in conjunction with the 40th anniversary festivities. The tune is American Hymn by Matthias Keller, and the lyrics and arrangement are by Jari Villanueva, current director of UMBC's pep band.[2]

Hail alma mater! OUR UMBC,
Boldly bearing your colors, the whole world to see,
Striving together in true unity,
Black, gold forever we're reminded of thee,
Proudly we hail to thee, OUR UMBC!

Throughout the ages, OUR UMBC,
Songs and memories still echo with true clarity,
Knowledge and wisdom and truth we found here,
Friendships we treasure that will last through the years,
Proudly we hail to thee, OUR UMBC!

[edit] External links

• University of Maryland, Baltimore County Official Athletic Web Site
• UMBC: An Honors University in Maryland
• UMBC Down and Dirty Dawg Pep Band
• UMBC Ice Hockey Team