The St. Lawrence University football team will honor those who protect America's freedom on Saturday with a "Tribute to the Troops" in conjunction with Fort Drum.

Saturday's game against Norwich, the 2012 home opener for St. Lawrence at Leckonby Stadium, will include a variety of ways to honor the servicemen and women of the United States. The Saints will wear commemorative camouflage uniforms, which will be sold following the game. All proceeds of those sales, t-shirt sales, "Touchdowns for the Troops" and the 50/50 raffle will benefit soldiers stationed in the North Country at Fort Drum.

"We felt it was important for our team, our campus and our community to recognize the challenges that our soldiers face, not just while serving us abroad, but when they return home," said St. Lawrence head coach Mark Raymond. "We are thrilled to have this chance to raise money and awareness for our friends in Watertown, while learning a few things along the way."

On Wednesday evening at 7:30pm in Eben Holden, St. Lawrence will welcome two esteemed guests from Fort Drum to campus for a panel presentation regarding the mental and physical challenges that soldiers face, and why events like Saturday's are important. Dr. Todd Benham, the chief of the Behavioral Health Department at Fort Drum, will address mental and behavioral health, while Captain John Casas of the Division's Surgeon's Office of the 10th Mountain Division, will address physical challenges. The event is open to the public, is free of charge, and is First-Year Cup eligible.

Saturday's football game between St. Lawrence and Norwich begins at 1:00pm at Leckonby Stadium, free admission being given to those with a valid military ID. T-shirts will be available for purchase for $15.00, while "Touchdowns for the Troops" will offer fans the chance to pledge a dollar figure per touchdown the Scarlet and Brown score in 2012. The first 200 fans will also receive a St. Lawrence "spirit towel" free to show their support. Information regarding jersey purchase will also be available on game-day.

"We look forward to providing the opportunity to unite students, faculty, staff and North Country residents by rallying around the bravest of our society and establishing a strong bond between campus and the base," added Coach Raymond.

For more information regarding "Tribute to the Troops", please call (315) 229-5986 or email Joe Keniston, Co-Director of Sports Information, at jkenisto@stlawu.edu.