Wheeling, W. Va. - In just 13 days, the Wheeling University Athletic Department will kick-off the 2025-2026 athletic season. As the Cardinals look to get a hot start on the field, they are helping local area students get a hot start in the classroom with the "Cardinal Classroom Supplies Drive." On Saturday, September 6th, the Cardinals are asking fans to bring back-to-school items, including bookbags, notebooks, binders, and other items to help local students succeed in the classroom. All donations will go to local area schools, including schools in the Ohio County School System. 

"We are thankful for a community that has shown the meaning of stepping up through constant action," said  Ohio County Schools Director of Public Relations Karin Butyn. "So many were both directly and indirectly effected by the devastating June flooding. Wheeling University's offer to designate an evening that will benefit students in our community is not just kind, it's community in action." 

The Cardinals Classroom Supplies Drive will take place on Saturday, September 6th, when the Cardinals have a doubleheader day of action. At noon, the Wheeling Women's Soccer team will host Florida Southern College at Bishop Schmitt Field with kick-off at noon. Then, the Cardinals will be under the lights as the Wheeling University Football team plays their 2025 home opener against Walsh with kick-off at 6 PM. Fans in attendance at both games are invited to bring donations that will help local area schools. There will be donation bins placed around the field and fans can drop their donations off as they enter the game. Some of the items being asked for include bookbags, binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and locks for lockers among other items. 

Wheeling University is committed to its mission of Life, Leadership, and Service with and among others, and this is just one way the athletics department is helping live up to its mission. This is the first of several drives the Cardinals will host throughout the year, all with the idea of giving back to the local community. Wheeling University is striving to become Wheeling's University, and this is just one way they are trying to achieve that goal but helping those in need. 

The Cardinal Classroom Supplies drive will be held on Saturday, September 6th, as an all day event at Bishop Schmitt Field. Wheeling Women's Soccer will kick-off the day against Florida Southern College at noon, followed by Wheeling Football battling Walsh at 6 PM.