Phillip Scherer | Sports Editor
September 23, 2014; 4:00 p.m.
Seven-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) champion Tony Schumacher’s dragster car will be on display at LU on Sept. 24.
The drag car, nicknamed “The Sarge”, will be showcased in the Welcome Center parking lot between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and is sponsored by the Lindenwood chapter of the ROTC Gateway Battalion.
“Lindenwood University has been a very strong supporter of the Gateway Army ROTC Battalion for a number of years,” said Chad Callis, professor of Military Science.
“As part of this relationship, the Army ROTC program receives high quality students to develop into future Army officers, and Lindenwood University benefits from these same students applying their leadership and problem solving skills on campus.”
Callis believes it is because of the strong support and funding that the University has provided to the ROTC program that allowed them to secure this opportunity.
ROTC Enrollment officer Lee Rodriguez hopes that this will be the largest public event that the group will organize throughout the school year.
“We think this is a great opportunity for the students and staff at LU and a way for them to become familiar with our program and see this car,” Rodriguez said.
LU public relations officer Scott Queen is excited to be able to provide this type of opportunity and exposure to the ROTC program and all LU students.
“LU is a military friendly school and we are very supportive of the ROTC program,” Queen said.
“This sounds like a fun option for our students. We are excited to see the display on campus.”
The dragster is in St. Louis because of the NHRA race that will take place at the Gateway Motorsports Park this upcoming weekend. According to Callis, being able to have the car available to students on campus prior to the race is a unique opportunity, something that students may not be able to do at any other time.
He said, “Hopefully, Lindenwood University’s students, faculty and staff will find a few minutes this week to stop by and take a look at this impressive machine, find out a little more about the Army ROTC program and then take in the races this weekend.”
