Oct. 29, 2009

Memphis, Tenn. -

The University of Memphis men’s and women’s track and field teams participated in several events at the Memphis Zoo to celebrate Halloween.

“I think it is very important to the program to be as active as we are in the community and to be able to reach out to somebody like the Memphis Zoo,” head coach Kevin Robinson said. “The Memphis Zoo has been such a huge part of the Memphis community for so many years and this gives us a great opportunity to interact with the community and be seen outside of the athletic field.”

The Tigers were represented by 35 of the student-athletes who took time out of practice to visit with children at the Memphis Zoo. The athletes handed out candy and assisted in several of the activities that the Memphis Zoo had scheduled for Oct. 23rd.

“I think Coach (Tyler) Fraizer was the warmest guy there wearing that panda suit, considering the temperature and the rain,” Robinson said. “I think it’s great for the (coaching staff) and it’s not just about putting points on the board. It’s about bigger things like people and communication. Kudos goes to the athletes and the coaches who represented the University of Memphis in such a great manner.”

Events that the Tiger athletes assisted with included; not-so-haunted tour of the Primate Canyon , a costume contest, Fred’s trick-or-treat stations, the rock wall, Dracula’s disco, painted pumpkin patch, a haunted hayride, Blue Bell Ice Cream stand and the singing pumpkins.

The Memphis Track and Field teams begin indoor competition on Sat. Dec. 5th at the Arkansas State Kick-Off Classic.