NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Vanderbilt Commodores will face the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, but the game will be more than a stiff competition, it will also take a stand for something much more serious.
"Set the Expectation" is an awareness raising campaign for sexual assault and domestic violence, specifically focused on coaches and male athletes.
It was created by Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor. She has addressed dozens of college and high school teams in the past year. Tracy also serves on the NCAA’s Commission to Combat Campus Sexual Violence.
We're proud to host the SEC's first #SetTheExpectation game when we open the season against Georgia.
— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) August 22, 2019
🔗 https://t.co/aEsnRMtp0V#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/HHGSZOQFje
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Head Coach Derek Mason talked about the importance of the campaign and game for him and his players ahead of the game.
"I mean there's a lot of partying. There's a lot of things going on; so if we can raise awareness, I think we're doing our part. The idea is that men can stand up; athletics can stand up; college football can stand up. And that's exactly what we get a chance to do so - excited about the partnership, he said
"Set the Expectation" shirts will be given out to the first 10,000 fans at the game; and both teams will wear the shirts during pregame warmups.
Vanderbilt Athletics will be collecting items at the football game to benefit organizations that help victims of domestic and sexual violence. All the items are listed below.
• Cleaning products
• Toilet Paper
• Paper towels
• Towels/hand towels
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Face Wash
• Brushes/combs
• Deodorant
• Personal Care products (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair products, etc.)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Laundry detergent/dryer sheets
• Diapers/baby wipes
• Clothes/shoes
• Socks/underwear
• Emergency cell phones