The 10th annual Panther Pounce 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run took place Saturday morning at Purdue University North Central. The event is held in either October or November every year with a goal to raise as much funds as possible for athletic teams at PNC.
This year, the event was spearheaded by new baseball coach Shane Prance, a graduate of Portage High School who recently played on the PNC baseball team and other members of the athletic department. PNC teamed with the Calumet Striders to put on the race.
One of Prance’s newest players, junior transfer Brannon Kwiatkowski, says the PNC baseball team likes to give back to their supporters by helping organize the event.
“It’s nice to be out here cheering people on,” Kwiatkowski said. “The crowd looked real good at the start of the race and the weather has held up pretty nicely.”
Kwiatkowski was guiding runners and walkers to the finish line, providing an “extra kick” of motivation toward the conclusion of the race.
“I’m glad to see we have about 10 athletes here at PNC running as well,” he said.
Tom Albano, PNC director of athletics and race director, says the Run/Walk provides athletes a chance to give back by volunteering. Proceeds from the event are raised to help pay for athletic department expenses and scholarships.