Listen Here
By Brady Gazarek
gazarekb@findlay.edu
When the University of Findlay Oilers take the field at Donnell Stadium this fall, they’ll do so with more than just looking at the scoreboard at the end of the game. For two-time senior captain Sam Weihrauch, a hometown athlete, packed stands mean more than a loud crowd; they represent community and performance both on and off the field.
“After one good play, the energy in the stadium rises and pushes players on the field and the coaches to do our job and perform at the highest level,” Sam said. “It’s a game changer.”
The Oilers schedule includes seven home games out of 12 games during the 2025 season, a significant opportunity for a team hungry for a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) title under third-year head coach Kory Allen. For Weihrauch and his teammates, playing in front of a home crowd is more than convenient; it’s an opportunity to show out for the Findlay community.
“The last couple of years, we’ve had a lot of away games,” Weihrauch said. “But this year, getting to play at home more often, in front of our community, means a lot, especially growing up my entire life in Findlay.”
Despite the promise on the field, the stands at Donnell Stadium often tell a different story. Outside of Homecoming weekend, which drew 2,761 fans last season, the average home game attendance was just more than 700 last year. The difference is clear and so is the potential impact.
According to Athletic Director Jim Givens, football attendance isn’t just about atmosphere; it’s about momentum for the team, for the athletic department, and for the university as a whole.
“Football is a big draw because of the national presence that it has every Saturday,” Givens said. “If your football team is successful, you’re going to have a good following and that lifts other sports, too.”
Givens acknowledged that Division II schools like Findlay don’t generate millions in football revenue like major programs, but the importance of football to the athletic department remains critical. A strong crowd doesn’t just energize players, it boosts morale across all sports and creates an event that brings together the campus body and the Findlay community.
“It’s more of a community thing, which is really important to us,” Givens added. “We want to create a great environment for every one of our programs to compete in, and football has the potential to lead that charge.”
Despite Coach Allen’s impressive 9-2 record last season, a conference title still eludes the Oilers since Allen took over as head coach. According to Givens, success hinges on winning key rivalry games specifically against Ashland and Tiffin, long-time conference challengers.
“We’ve struggled with both of those teams,” Givens said. “But if we can split with them and take care of business elsewhere, we’ll be in the mix.”
Winning big games may be the clearest way to get fans in the stands, but Weihrauch believes there’s more to it.
“We’re a smaller community, but we’re close,” he said. “We have a veteran group of leaders with lots of experience. If we stick together and build off one another, I think we will do something special this year.”
While Givens emphasized that the department doesn’t depend on gimmicks or persuasive tactics to draw crowds, he acknowledged the role of pre-game events and community outreach help shape the game day experience.
“Anything we do before, during, or after a game isn’t necessarily to get more people in the stands,” Givens said. “It’s to honor our fans and alumni and show them what our program is about.”
“Increased attendance has tangible benefits both on the financial side and the reputation as a whole. A loud and lively game day experience strengthens community and helps build a culture that goes beyond wins and losses,” Givens said.
As Weihrauch enters his final season, he hopes that stands will reflect the work being done on the field.
“We want to enjoy this experience with all the students on campus and the people in Findlay,” he said. “Let’s all be a part of something special this year.”
*UF football players and athletic director Jim Givens talk about the energy of the night game.
