The Kent State Athletics Community Caravan is visiting various Giant Eagle locations to promote fan support for the sports teams.

The caravan stopped June 11 in Cuyahoga Falls, where football coach Darrell Hazell and women’s soccer coach Rob Marinaro greeted visitors and talked with them about their upcoming seasons.

Assistant coaches from other Kent State sports were present, and Flash, the Flashes’ mascot, provided entertainment for the kids as their parents met the coaches. Hot dogs and sodas were available for $1, with proceeds from the events benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital.

The head coaches said the caravan allows them to hand out team schedules and encourage more support for Kent State athletics.

“I think this is a great way to get the community more involved in these programs,” Hazell said. “I enjoy seeing new faces and sharing stories with the community. We all look forward to the upcoming year and it’s going to be a fun ride.”

Hazell, formerly the wide receivers coach at Ohio State, said the team needs to work hard in order to have a successful season after last year’s 5-7 finish.

“With hard work and discipline, much discipline, we can have a great year, and I look forward to getting this program rolling,” Hazell said. “Once we get accommodated, we won’t miss a beat.”

Kent State cheerleader Meredith Reinhard is also traveling with the caravan.

“This kind of event gets our sports more of a buzz in the community,” she said, “and it helps people get schedules and information about the teams that they may not otherwise have access to.”

Marinaro said the event “helps boost ticket sales and gets fans excited about the upcoming season.

“This year’s going to be fun,” he said.

Contact sports reporter Anthony White at [email protected].