Silver Hawks' MAN sanctioned by AMI

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The American Mustache Institute (AMI) has officially endorsed the Silver Hawks Josh Collmenter Mustache Awareness Night on Wednesday, July 23. This event pays tribute to Silver Hawks starting pitcher, Josh Collmenter, who is well known for his distinctive mustache.

"The mustache has long been a symbol of strength, intellect, and Muppet Show fanhood," said Aaron Perlut, the executive director of The American Mustache Institute. "Josh Collmenter has clearly harnessed this power by embracing his inner mustache, and we are pleased that he is using it for the better good of the South Bend Silver Hawks and their great fans."

Collmenter first started sporting the mustache in an attempt to create a spark during a rough stretch early on in the season. Since the 'stache, the Silver Hawks finished the first half in the middle of the pack and are now one game out of first place in the Eastern Division with a record of 15-10.

In support of Josh Collmenter Mustache Awareness Night, mustached fans will receive a free reserved seat ticket to the July 23 game as the Silver Hawks face the Beloit Snappers at 7 p.m. Some lucky un-mustached fans will receive a free mustache as they enter the gates. A variety of mustache tributes and events will take place throughout the evening.

The Silver Hawks players have been heavily influenced by Collmenter's mustache as between eight and 10 players are now in a heated competition for the title of "Best Mustache" -- to be determined by fans in attendance on July 23.

For more information, please contact the Silver Hawks at 574-235-9988, or visit www.silverhawks.com online. Go 'Hawks!