I had an interview with Director of Athletics, Willis Pooler, who told me his story of how Couch Night began.

“When I played at LWC in the early 90’s, we would travel to a school that had a few students bring couches to the games,” he said. Those away games became the foundation for what is known as one of the biggest on campus sports games of the year. Pooler continued “I believe it has been around for approximately 10 years” since the very first Couch Night.

“The current version of our couch night vastly exceeds anything I saw back then,” he confessed.

How did the Couch Night’s of the past stack up to this year’s well attended event? “The support and enthusiasm for couch night continues to grow every year,” said Pooler “I don’t think the actual concept has changed too much, when SGA began offering a free pizza per couch, things really took off” he stated.

As far as the benefits of Couch Night, Pooler had no problem singing the praises of the popular event.

“The atmosphere Couch Night creates for our student-athletes undoubtedly helps lift their performance.” said Pooler “It also shows visiting institutions the commitment of our student body to support our athletic programs.”

In closing he revealed his opinion on those running the show. “SGA has done an excellent job promoting couch night and is hugely involved in its success.” said Pooler, “They deserve all the credit.”

McCandless stated, “Couch Night in general is just a big important thing and to say that the women’s team didn’t deserve that even though they were/are just as skilled and important as the men’s team is kind of an insult. I think they just both equally deserves the chance to have a big turnout, and equal support.”

The game was well attended and fun was had by all, McCandless later stated that the game was "a success" and "one of my favorite Couch Night's of all time."

Couch Night is an event that brings people together and it’s evident that the staff/students on campus believe it will continue to do so “in general for the student athletes it gives them reassurance that they belong here at LWC and that they are supported," said Willis Pooler.

He continued, "For students who aren’t athletes even, it gives them a way to be involved in the sport and involved in something that makes them feel like LWC is a community or family.”