Grand Rapids, Mich. – There are games on the schedule, and then there are moments that define a season. For Aquinas College, the next two home dates against arch rival Cornerstone fall squarely into the latter category. Over the span of eight days, the Saints will defend Coach Bo Court inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in three rivalry match-ups—and the mission is simple: pack the house and protect home court.
The rivalry between Aquinas and Cornerstone has always been about more than just wins and losses. It's about conference positioning, postseason implications, and pride. It's about bragging rights that last long after the final buzzer. And this year, the stakes are heightened by one bold belief from the Golden Eagles—that they'll bring more fans into our building than the Saints will. That's a challenge the Aquinas community is being called to answer.
Neon Night on Coach Bo Court
The rally begins Tuesday, February 10, as the Aquinas Men's Volleyball team hosts Cornerstone at 7:00 p.m. in the first home WHAC showdown of the season. Adding to the intensity, the match will double as Neon Night, turning Coach Bo Court into a glowing wall of Aquinas energy. Fans are encouraged to wear their brightest colors, fill the stands, and bring relentless noise from the first serve to the final point.
This match-up is a can't-miss moment. Conference play allows little room for error, and opportunities to make a statement only become more rare as the season progresses. Against a familiar rival, with momentum and standings on the line, the Saints will need every ounce of energy the Aquinas faithful can provide.
To elevate the atmosphere, the loudest and proudest student section will be rewarded with a candy bar, and the student who leads the group will join Joey Sutherlin during the broadcast. Free giveaways, high-energy chants, and a united crowd will make Tuesday night one of the most electric volleyball environments of the season.
Senior Night Showdown vs. Cornerstone
The intensity continues on Wednesday, February 18, as Aquinas hosts a Women's and Men's Basketball doubleheader against Cornerstone, with tip-offs set for 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The night carries extra meaning for the Men's Basketball program, as it will serve as Senior Night, honoring the graduating seniors who have helped build the foundation of Saints basketball.
Senior Night is always emotional—but when paired with a rivalry like Cornerstone, it becomes unforgettable. The Aquinas community is invited to be part of that moment, celebrating the seniors while helping the Saints defend home court in one of the most meaningful games of the season.
Fans will also have a chance to win Aquinas Athletics apparel & gift cards during the Men's Volleyball match and both basketball games, with one winner per event. Trivia contests will be held during the Cornerstone match-ups, to engaged fans in attendance.
K-Pop Takes Center Stage for Charity on February 18
Adding even more excitement to the February 18 doubleheader is a special K-Pop Dance Charity Event, taking place during the Men's Basketball game at 7:30 p.m. Aquinas faculty and staff will perform a K-Pop dance to "Soda Pop" from K-Pop Demon Hunters, blending school spirit with a powerful cause.
The event will raise money for K2 International Global Athlete, a nonprofit organization connecting Asian athletes with American athletes through education and athletics. Donations of $5 earn one raffle ticket, $10 earns two tickets, and so on, with prizes including four Rise tickets to any game this season, gift cards to KCM in Eastown, free boba from Hoshi Hoshi in East Grand Rapids, K-Pop Demon Hunters merchandise, and more.
The first 100 fans in attendance will also receive free Korean soda pop, making this night a celebration of culture, community, and competition. A QR code will be available at the game for easy donations.
This is the moment for the Aquinas community to show up and show out. On Tuesday, February 10, Men's Volleyball takes center stage, followed by the Women's and Men's Basketball doubleheader on Wednesday, February 18, all against arch rival Cornerstone. The Golden Eagles believe they'll bring more fans into our house than the Saints will—and that's something that simply can't stand. These match-ups carry real conference stakes, real bragging rights, and the kind of atmosphere that defines a season. Pack the stands, wear your Aquinas colors loud and proud, bring the energy from first serve to final buzzer, and help create an environment that's impossible to ignore. Defend home court, stand shoulder to shoulder, and remind everyone why—win or lose—it's always a great day to be a Saint.
