TURLOCK – California State University, Stanislaus soccer games attracted notably large crowds last year, according to newly released National Collegiate Athletic Association data.
The women's soccer team averaged 973 spectators per game, having drawn 8,756 people to Warrior Stadium. The men's team averaged 888, having drawn 8,879 spectators. Both numbers rank No. 1 in NCAA Division II.
"I am pleased that our community has responded so positively to our new facility and that both of our soccer programs are receiving national recognition," said CSU Stanislaus President Dr. Hamid Shirvani.
The 2009 women's team had the highest attendance of home games among all NCAA teams. The men's team ranked second, just behind Fort Lewis State University.
CSU Stanislaus set two individual game attendance records by drawing 1,796 fans for the University of California, San Diego contest and 1,171 fans for Chico State. The University of California, San Diego contest was the second highest attended Division II soccer contest in 2009, while the home game with Chico State ranked sixth.
"I am not surprised at the great fan support we received this year. Soccer is very popular in the Central Valley, and Warrior Stadium has put us in a position to showcase both programs," said
Dana Taylor, head coach for the men's team.
Director of Athletics Dr. Milton Richards praised Women's Soccer Head Coach Gabe Bolton and his staff.
"Marketing our soccer programs was a team effort that involved our director of athletics, coaching staff and student-athletes. We are grateful to President Shirvani, Dr. Richards and our student body for making a strong commitment to Warrior Athletics, allowing us to field two exciting soccer teams that have drawn huge fan support," Bolton said.
In addition to setting soccer attendance records the Student Recreation Complex will host both the 2011 NCAA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships and the 2011 California Collegiate Athletic Association Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
