"This is about lending a helping hand to the students on a busy and sometimes stressful day," Osterberger said Thursday. "It also gives us a chance to introduce ourselves and encourage them to attend our home games."

This year's 2010-11 first-year class includes over 400 students and boasts the best academic profile in Loras College history when measuring grade point average and ACT score.

Senior defensive tackle and 2010 co-captain Ben Driscoll echoed Osterberger's sentiments.

"The weather has cooperated and it is fun to introduce ourselves to our classmates," Driscoll said. "We've all been there…moving in and lugging our things to our rooms. It is a small thing we can do to help make everyone feel welcome on their first day."

Launch into Loras - the first-year student orientation program at Loras College - kicks off this weekend and leads into the first day of classes on August 30. The first football game of 2010 is at home in the Rock Bowl on September 4. The Duhawks will kick off at 1:00 PM against Elmhurst College.

Loras College has maintained its highest ranking ever at the 11th spot in the Top Tier among Best Midwest Regional Colleges in the 2011 edition of "Best Colleges" by U.S. News Media Group. In addition, Loras College was called out among the top 20 of all 319 Regional Colleges for highest graduation rate.