Edinboro University holds annual athlete auction

Between USA Olympian Chayse Wolfe and track and field’s dynamic German duo of Pia Briger and Lisa Kossmann, the Edinboro athlete auction carries on the tradition athletes throughout the world have worked to build for Make-a-Wish.

Around 15 athletes would be auctioned off during the night, through video presentations to “White Chick” dance routines.

Hosted by senior Emma Sullivan, the event would culminate with the annual cross country video, depicting a battle between athletes aspiring to be the actual athlete auctioned off.

The swimming team would also make a video, continuing their tradition.

In February, the Edinboro athletic department granted a “Wish” for 7-year-old Abigail Cornman, sending her to Hawaii.

That was the fourth year Edinboro University has presented a child with their wish.

“We were very fortunate our student athletes last year (2016) raised a lot of money for Make-a-Wish. We were third in the entire country for Make-a-Wish at about $16,000,” said Edinboro University Athletic Director Bruce Baumgartner at the time.

During the men’s basketball game halftime on that night, athletes presented Make-a-Wish with a check for over $600,000, which is how much the NCAA’s Division II raised in 2016. 

Mike Lantinen is the sports editor for The Spectator. He can be reached at sports.spectator@gmail.com.