Tuesday’s Student Government Board meeting ended quickly as board members still had a dozen… Tuesday’s Student Government Board meeting ended quickly as board members still had a dozen budget appeals to finish by midnight, but several SGB members made time to express excitement over the “Meet the Coach” event.

This Thursday at 8 p.m., new Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt will speak to students at the Petersen Event Center as a way to introduce himself to the campus community.

Board Member Rebekah Bambling and several SGB committees, including Traditions, Public Relations and Special Events, have been involved in the production of this event.

“We have been working with the athletics department for a year,” Bambling said.

Board members believe that this event will help Pitt sports fans become more enthusiastic about the upcoming year.

“It’s not about football, it’s about the students,” Bambling said. “Coach Wannstedt coming back to students will really excite the students. I feel that this is reenergizing the campus.”

SGB Traditions Committee Chairperson Kristina Baron has been very active in setting up the Petersen Center.

Baron and Bambling expressed enthusiasm about all of the items that will be given away at the event, including T-shirts, “spirit bracelets,” and Panther Pitt towels.

“We just really hope to have a good turnout,” Baron said.

The event precedes Saturday’s Blue and Gold game at 1 p.m. at Gateway High School in Monroeville.