Student-athletes gathered outside the RecWell building on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel campus April 9 to enjoy free food from The Wright Way food truck as the academic year comes to a close.
The student-athlete appreciation food truck event was held from 1 to 5 p.m. in the bus parking area next to RecWell and recognized student-athletes for their participation in the university’s annual Bobcat Challenge.
Throughout the afternoon, student-athletes lined up at the food truck, which served burgers and barbecue, taking a break from their schedules to spend time with teammates and peers from across Quinnipiac’s athletic programs.
The Wright Way is a recently launched food truck that offers a menu centered around barbecue. The company focuses on providing quick, casual dining options through a mobile setup, allowing it to serve customers at a variety of locations and events.
As a new business, The Wright Way is working to establish its presence by bringing its food directly to customers and building a following through on-site service.
The celebration honored student-athletes who achieved 100% participation in the Bobcat Challenge during the fall semester, as well as those who earned Scholar-Athlete Awards.
The Bobcat Challenge is an annual initiative that encourages participation and engagement among Quinnipiac student-athletes, with teams competing to reach full involvement, motivating them to participate more than just on the field, or wherever they play.
The Wright Way food truck, which served burgers and barbecue, provided complimentary meals for attendees throughout the afternoon.
Senior student-athlete and Ice Cats member Kayla Tinoco said the event was a meaningful way to recognize the work student-athletes put in throughout the year.
“It’s nice to be recognized for everything we do, not just in our sport but academically too,” Tinoco said. “Most of the time academics can come second to the more public aspects of what we do but they are just as important, if not more.”
The event highlighted the contributions of Quinnipiac’s student-athletes both on and off the field as the academic year nears its end, while also giving them a chance to celebrate their achievements in a setting surrounded by their peers.
Senior club soccer player Alex Michel, who attended the event, said it provided an opportunity for athletes to connect outside of competition.
“It’s a great way for everyone to come together,” Michel said. “We’re all busy with our own teams, so having something like this where we can just hang out and enjoy it is really nice.”
Senior film major Ben Wallin, who was passing by, said the recognition was well deserved.
“They put in a lot of time and effort, so it’s good to see them get something back,” Wallin said.