Penguins fans can now win prizes by name-dropping Youngstown State University on various social networking websites through Penguin Points, the university’s new rewards program.
Those interested can register on the Penguin Points website, http://penguinpoints.com, and have the opportunity to win jerseys, team autographs and tickets to YSU athletic events, among other prizes.
John Vogel, the assistant sports information director at YSU, said the website launched on Sept. 1, and the program will last until Dec. 14.
“We want our fans to engage with us, and Penguin Points is the best way we can interact with them,” Vogel said.
For instance, participants receive points for liking, commenting, sharing and checking in on Facebook, or tweeting with a hashtag and retweeting on Twitter. Other social networking possibilities include Foursquare and YouTube.
“Students have a chance of accumulating endless amount of points,” Vogel said.
In addition, students can enter their student ID number and email address on the website;
subsequently, each time they use their ID at university events and select locations, they’ll receive points.
The 50 participants who have accumulated the most points will be entered in a drawing for the top prizes. Those winners will be chosen at random.
“The point structure is the key factor,” said Robb Schmidt, the assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions.
Kevin Davis, a telecommunications major, is in third place as of Wednesday. Davis, who has accumulated close to 23,000 Penguin Points, said he really enjoys the competition.
“I registered for Penguin Points mainly because it keeps track of all of my posts on social networks, and I can receive some cool prizes,” Davis said. “It is really easy to join, and it doesn’t consume a lot of my time either. I like it because I already attend all the YSU events, and now I can get prizes just for going.”
Schmidt said he hopes the program will grow in popularity.
“Whether the website is a success or not is too early to say since it is brand new and we have two more months until the contest is over,” he said.
“The plan is to get the students more involved.”