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`What is SWAT? It may be a question many students ask when they see the Smash the Butt posters throughout campus around this time of year. SWAT stands for Students Working Against Tobacco, and it is a program on campus seeking to educate students and the community alike about smoking. They also offer cessation programs to help people quit smoking.
Alyssa Leister is a Sophomore English major who is on the executive board for SWAT. She had a lot of good information to offer up about SWAT and Smash the Butt as well. The SWAT office is located in the Women’s and Wellness center, on the first floor of the Montour house.
For those who do not know, Smash the Butt is a 5K run/walk (emphasis on walk!) which promotes the programs and SWAT. According to Leister, it is a type of fund-raiser for SWAT, as well as a very fun event one can also use as community service. Participants do not have to walk or run in the race, but can volunteer to help out as well. Smash the Butt is open to all MU students as well as the surrounding community. Leister said it promotes athletic ability, as well as campus and community involvement.
Smash the Butt will be held this year on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 9:00 in the morning. Participants will meet at Pucillo Gymnasium. The course goes all around campus, and there is a $100 cash prize for the top male and female finisher and other prizes for the top placers as well. You need to register for the race and can preregister until September 16th. Preregistration costs $12 plus a shirt, but if you have a group of ten or more it costs $10 per person plus a shirt. Racers can also register the day of the race from 8:00-8:45 in the morning. However, on race day it is $15, and there are limited t-shirts. Registration forms can be picked up and dropped off in Montour House.
If anyone is interested in working with SWAT in general, the first meeting is September 20, 2009 at Montour House. One can also contact SWATgrad@millersville.edu for more information. Leister is a member of the executive board for SWAT, and gets paid for her position. People can simply be general members if they do not have the time to put into being an executive board member. Leister is very passionate about SWAT and encourages people to become involved with the program. She added as an important note they “love smokers, but hate smoking,” to clarify the misconception that everyone at SWAT abhors those who smoke. Everyone should come out on September 26 to race or help out with Smash the Butt to help educate the public about smoking.