Mid-State Technical College has again partnered with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters to let young fans meet and enjoy time with Rafters baseball players at the College’s Wisconsin Rapids Campus. The June 17 event was combined with Cuts 4 Kids, providing free kids’ haircuts from Mid-State Cosmetology and Barber Technologist students. 

Attendees gathered autographs from 2024 Rafters players and competed in games and challenges, including the vertical jump (can you jump as high as a Rafters player?), Cornhole and a pitching booth. Several of the activities highlighted Mid-State’s agriculture, cosmetology, criminal justice and fire/EMS programs. Mid-State’s Cougar mascot, Grit, was joined by Rosco P. Rafter to distribute hugs and high-fives, and the first 300 fans to arrive enjoyed complimentary hot dogs, chips and a cup of Mid-State’s Cranberry Cougar Swirl ice cream. 

At the event, seven-year-old Eli Gosse of Marshfield excelled at any competition pitting himself against a Rafters player, so long as height was no advantage. His favorite by far was Cornhole, which called for two push-ups from the Rafters player for every bag he could get through the hole. “It was fun!” he said after sending pitcher Tristin Crusenberry to the floor several times.

The annual Rafters Meet-and-Greet is one example of the ongoing collaboration between Mid-State and the Rafters to combine fun, community and opportunity. For the past six years, the two organizations have partnered to offer the Free Tuition Thursdays summer promotion, randomly awarding several $500 scholarships plus tickets with complimentary meal voucher to a Rafters home game. Being selected also gives contestants a chance to win a $15,000 grand prize to pay for the average cost of two years of tuition at Mid-State.

“We are immensely proud of our collaboration with Mid-State Technical College and the difference we collectively make in our community by providing fun ways for young people to access opportunity, including Free Tuition Thursdays and the Lil’ Rafters Reading Program,” said Ken Day, general manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. “We look forward to continuing that partnership in support of student success in our communities.” 

Visit mstc.edu/rafters to learn more about Free Tuition Thursdays, including rules, qualifying games, eligibility and entry. Follow Mid-State on Facebook  and Instagram for updates on future events and opportunities.