WPU, ASA, Sodexo Partnering to Show Appreciation to Officials All Season

Oskaloosa–The William Penn University Athletics Department and the WPU Association of Student-Athletes is proud to announce a partnership with Sodexo-William Penn to have them be the official meal provider for referees, umpires, and game officials at all William Penn home games.

In conjunction with this effort, the William Penn ASA will also be focusing on different initiatives to thank officials throughout the year, including notes welcoming them to WPU and thanking them for their time as well as a week of appreciation for officials each season in conjunction with the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The efforts are in line with the Heart of America Athletic Conference’s Officials Appreciation Week that will run from November 5-13, with a week in the spring as well.

“This is an exciting announcement,” WPU ASA President CJ Rettig said. “Referees deserve to be treated with the upmost respect and dignity. They spend countless time away from their daily lives and families to make it possible for all student-athletes to compete. I am thrilled for this partnership to launch so we can show appreciation of all the hard work that referees put in!”

“We recognize that without officials, we cannot support intercollegiate athletics competitions,” Athletics Director Nik Rule said. “This is just a small gesture of appreciation for officials that put in time and go through the necessary accreditation to be able to work our games. When I spoke to Jeff Halverson, the GM of Sodexo on our campus, he was all-in. Our Athletic Operations team takes great pride in providing a welcoming environment for these professionals, and this new initiative with ASA and Sodexo will enhance that.”

“We are proud to be included and look forward to helping with the box lunches and anything else we can do for the officials to retain them and promote what they do,” Halverson said.